Horse Racing Picks: Saudi Cup Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Feb 24)

• World’s richest race is staged in Riyadh on Saturday
• White Abarrio and Derma Sotogake renew their rivalry in the Saudi Cup

The world’s richest horse race is staged in the Middle East this weekend, as the Saudi Cup takes place in Riyadh. It looks to be one of the strongest renewals of the race in recent memory, with last year’s top two finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Classic set to renew their rivalry.

Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 12:40 PM ET
• Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• How To Watch: FanDuel TV

Saudi Cup Odds

Race Preview

The world’s richest race will take place in the Middle East on Saturday, as a purse of $20 million will be up for grabs in the G1 Saudi Cup. It has steadily become one of the biggest international races in recent years, with trainers from across the world sending their best runners to compete over the 1 1/8 mile distance.

It is one of the hottest renewals of the race in recent memory, with the top two finishers from last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic both in action. White Abarrio ended a memorable campaign for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr with success at Santa Anita, besting Derma Sotogake by a length. However, this will be the Breeders’ Cup champion’s first appearance outside of the United States.

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The Breeders’ Cup runners start at opposite ends of the track for the Saudi Cup, and they could be vulnerable to a number of rivals with a fitness edge. Those include National Treasure for trainer Bob Baffert, with the four-year-old recently landing the G1 Pegasus World Cup. Senor Buscador was a fast-finishing second on that day, and the six-year-old could once again hit the frame at the highest level.

Ushba Tesoro was back in the field in the Classic, finishing over three lengths behind White Abarrio. But, last season’s Dubai World Cup winner has already returned to form this season with a dominant showing in the Grade 1 company in Japan. Lemon Pop is also respected for Japanese connections after winning four from six in stakes company.

Saudi Cup Prediction

White Abarrio and Derma Sotogake both have leading claims, but the former could be best placed to finish in the frame. Senor Buscador is also an interesting selection for exotics players. However, the preference is for Ushba Tesoro, who has a fitness edge and stays well over this trip.

Free Picks:

• Win:
• Trifecta Box: (1) Carmel Road/ (12) Senor Buscador/ (13) Ushba Tesoro/ (14) White Abarrio

Other Saudi Cup Night Predictions