Godolphin's Superstar Benbatl has been given the go ahead to head for the first ever running of the $20m Saudi Cup in Riyadh this weekend, with the Grade one looking to have a big chance of adding more big race glory to his roster.
Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor gave Benbatl a chance on the dirt for the first time at Meydan last month and he took to the task very well, bolting up comfortably.
With that in mind the decision whether to take him to the $20m race in Riyadh was left to owner Sheikh Mohammed and he has given the six year old the green light for the most expensive race in the world.
Oh he is a star! Benbatl scoots home on dirt debut for @CSoumillon, Saeed bin Suroor and @godolphin… #DWCCarnival pic.twitter.com/baMtggeS4X
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 6, 2020
(Credit At The Races) “Yes, Benbatl runs – Sheikh Mohammed was happy for him to go,” said Bin Suroor.
“He won well on the dirt in Dubai, so we know that isn’t a problem. He’s been working well since, and he’s in good form.“The race will be very tough, we know that, but we’re looking forward to seeing him run.”
Saeed bin Suroor could also have another runner with Final Song who has been frequently seen at Meydan over the last few months and he is entered in the Samba Saudi Derby.
“I also run Final Song in the Saudi Derby – the filly,” he said.
“She’s a nice filly. She shows plenty of speed over six and seven furlongs – but this race is over a mile, so we’ll see how she runs.
“She ran really well in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot last year, but five furlongs was too short for her.”