Appleby sticks with Saudi Sprint blueprint for Annaf
RIYADH Trainer Mick Appleby reported that Annaf has emerged from a recent prep race in good form, ahead of his title defence of the 1351 Turf Sprint on Saudi Cup night on Feb 22.
Annaf is taking the same route to the US$2 million (S$2.7 million) Group 2 event, run over 1,351m on turf at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, as in 2024 by first warming up with a solid run in defeat on the all-weather in the Kachy Stakes at Lingfield on Feb 2.
"He would have finished a bit closer had he not missed the break," said the trainer. "He was beaten in this race last year before he went to Saudi though, so hopefully we head there with a good chance again.
"He's come out of the race well and is in good form, we now just need everything to go well in the next few weeks. The track there seems very fair and hopefully he gets a good draw for the race. Rossa (Ryan) will ride him once again."
Ryan executed the perfect waiting ride 12 months ago. When a gap emerged up the rails as the field swung off the final bend, he produced Annaf with a winning run to fend off the fast-finishing La La Christine and Byline.
The Muhaarar six-year-old's success in Riyadh was a big moment for a relatively small UK yard. But it has proven more than capable of producing horses for the biggest of occasions, as shown with Big Evs' success at the 2023 Breeders' Cup.
On the international opposition once again facing Annaf, Appleby said: "There's great prize money on offer, so it's always going to be a strong race. We're looking forward to the challenge once again.
"Last year everyone was very welcoming and it was a great occasion. We had great celebrations when he got back home too."
Annaf is likely to face 13 rivals as he aims to become the first back-to-back winner of the race run by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA).
Japan is seeking its third win in the contest and is set to field Ten Happy Rose, winner of the 2024 Grade 1 Victoria Mile (1,600m), Ascoli Piceno, winner of the 2023 Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (1,600m) as a two-year-old, and Win Marvel, winner of the 2023 Grade 2 Hanshin Cup (1,400m).
Grade 1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes (1,300m) winner Howard Wolowitz will line up for US-based handler Jose D'Angelo, while Topgear, an impressive winner of Newmarket's Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1,400m) when last seen, will represent French trainer Christopher Head.
Byline will again line up for the Bahrain-based trainer Allan Smith, along with compatriot Ava Go Joe, with Dark Trooper representing Qatar-based Alban de Mieulle and owners Wathnan Racing.
Listed winners Task Force, Witness Stand and Goemon will also represent the UK, with Uncle and Malyan racing for Saudi Arabia and trainer Thamer Aldaihan. JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA
See something interesting? Contribute your story to us.
Explore more on these topics
