In one of the most intriguing international clashes of the year, Hong Kong Horse of the Year and recent G1 Jebel Hatta hero Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and 2024 G1 Dubai World Cup victor Laurel River (Into Mischief) will likely face off in the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday, Feb. 22.

Joining them will be Japanese Group 1 winner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who won the G3 Saudi Derby alongside placed runs in the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2024 from the barn of Yoshito Yahagi. It will be the first try on dirt for Romantic Warrior, while the Bhupat Seemar-trained Laurel River is hoping to rebound off a second in the G3 Firebreak Stakes in the UAE after setting an unmaintainable pace, the same day as the Danny Shum trainee’s imperious Jebel Hatta tally.

Others still in the race at this stage include 2024 Saudi Cup second Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Seemar’s G1 Al Maktoum Challenge hero Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), and Al Maktoum Challenge third and Group 1 winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) for Jerome Reynier. Kenny McPeek is sending Rattle N Roll (Connect), who won a Saudi Cup qualifier, the G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, while GI Pegasus World Cup second Locked (Gun Runner) is also still a possible for Todd Pletcher.

Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and 2025 GI Pegasus World Cup hero White Abarrio (Race Day) were withdrawn from contention earlier this week.

On the undercard of the $38.1-million meeting, last year’s $2-million G2 Neom Turf Cup hero Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) will try to defend his title against Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Yahagi is also sending Arqana August sale topper and 2024 G1 Irish Champion Stakes third Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}).

The newly upgraded $2-million Riyadh Dirt Sprint features American champion and GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint hero Straight No Chaser (Speightster) from the barn of Dan Blacker. Remake (Jpn) (Lani), who won this last year, returns again, while Group 3 winner Gabby’s Sister (Jpn) (Apollo Kingdom) has also signed on.

Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) will bid for consecutive successes in the $2-million G2 1351 Turf Sprint for Mick Appleby. The U.S. has never won this race, but they are represented by Grade I victor Howard Wolowitz (Munnings) for trainer Jose Francisco. Group 1 winner Ten Happy Rose (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) has remained in the field, with 2024 third-place finisher Byline (GB)  (Muhaarar {GB}) also returning.

Aidan O’Brien won the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap in 2024, and this year he will send 2023 G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) with the aim of making it two in a row. G1 Derby fourth Deira Mile (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), trained by Owen Burrows as well as the John and Thady Gosden-trained Royal Ascot winner Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) have been entered. Japan is represented by Byzantine Dream (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), the French flag will be flown by Presage Nocturne (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).

The final group race over the two-day stand is the $1.5-million G3 Saudi Derby, with Koichi Shintani’s unbeaten filly Myriad Love (Jpn) (New Year’s Day) throwing her hat in the ring. Yahagi, who won this last year with the aforementioned Forever Young, has entered Mistress (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Golden Vekoma (Vekoma) is an interesting contender for UAE trainer Ahmad bin Harmash. The Chad Summers-trained Cyclone State (McKinzie) is also set to run.

HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia said, “We are delighted with the depth and quality of this year’s Saudi Cup field and are hugely looking forward to a brilliant two days of racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse as we welcome the best horses around and their connections to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“With the Red Sea Turf Handicap and Riyadh Dirt Sprint both being promoted to international Group 2 status this year we continue to develop and improve the Saudi Cup meeting with the intention of hosting the highest standard of horse and showcasing the best of horse racing to the world.

“I wish the best of luck to all horse connections as they put the final touches to their Saudi Cup campaigns and we wait with great anticipation for the weekend of the 21 and 22 of February.”

For the likely 2025 Saudi Cup meeting fields, please click here.