Editor’s Note: 1/ST and Santa Anita racing analyst Michelle Yu has been onsite in Riyadh following this week’s preparations for Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup and full undercard of stakes races. She filed her full-card selections and main event notes exclusively for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. You can watch her live on the international simulcast feed for updated information. Advance wagering begins Friday for the entire card on both 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.
Michelle Yu’s Saudi Cup Day Selections:
Race 1 | 7:45 am ET | $1M Jockey Club Local Handicap | 1-1/8 miles
1-2-5-8
Race 2 | 8:25 am ET | $2M Arabian Classic | 1-1/4 miles
8-11-6
Race 3 | 9:05 am ET | $1.5M Turf Cup | 1-5/16 miles (T)
6-9-3-11
Race 4 | 9:45 am ET | $1.5M Turf Sprint | 6-3/4 furlongs (T)
2-6-11-4
Race 5 | 10:25 am ET | $2.5M Turf Handicap | 1-7/8 miles (T)
11-2-1-12
Race 6 | 11:05 am ET | $1.5M Saudi Derby | 1 mile
12-9-8-3
Race 7 | 11:45 am ET | $1.5 Dirt Sprint | 6 furlongs
8-2-4-1-6
Race 8 | 12:35 pm ET | $20M Saudi Cup | 1-1/8 miles
7-2-6-4
#7 Panthalassa: If he takes to the dirt, I have to agree with his connections that a one-turn, left-hand course should be ideal watching him win in Dubai. He has speed, but an additional gear late.
#2 Country Grammer: Mr. Consistency rarely disappoints you with a bad effort. He’s coming into this race sharper than he did last year, but will need to find more late at this distance.
#6 Jun Light Bolt: Excellent closing kick for this colt who seems to be thriving with the surface change to dirt.
#4 Emblem Road: Clearly he loves this track and the allowance prep seemed relatively easy for him. Well drawn for his middle-of-the-track finishing style.
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Wagering Notes:
--- No carryovers in multi-race bets; all pools paid out.
--- Pick 6 begins in Race 3
--- Daily Double offered Races 6-7
--- Pick 3 offered Races 6-7-8
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