Cheval a Saudi Cup Facteur
RIYADH French trainer Jerome Reynier believes the Saudi Cup's unique 1,800-metre one-turn test will suit Facteur Cheval when his 'living legend' goes up against the world's best in Riyadh on Feb 22.
Reynier, along with owners Team Valor Racing/Gary Barber, have mapped out an audacious dirt campaign for the Ribchester six-year-old, who enjoyed a breakthrough Group 1 success in the Dubai Turf (1,800m) last March.
Facteur Cheval has been best known for his top-level grass exploits, but has had his attentions turned for a crack at the world's richest race at US$20 million (S$27 million), and connections were deeply encouraged by his recent dirt debut when a closing third in the Al Maktoum Challenge (1,900m) at Meydan on Jan 24.
"He took a lot of kickback from his position that day and in the final furlong he was walking all over them but couldn't find any room," said the Marseille-based Reynier.
"It was better to try him on dirt in the Maktoum Challenge and if he ran well, we could go for the Saudi Cup. I didn't want to go straight into a big one with the question mark of him handling the conditions."
That day, Mickael Barzalona rode Facteur Cheval from off the pace to try and run down the forward-going and re-opposing Walk Of Stars under Tadgh O'Shea.
"We wanted him to run on and see his reaction to the kickback. Tadgh knows his way round Meydan and has got the perfect horse to do that – he has been going wire to wire on him," said Reynier.
"It will be a very different scenario in Saudi as it is only one turn and a long back stretch and the pace will be much higher too.
"Mickael thinks he will be better suited to the conditions in Saudi compared to Dubai.The Saudi surface is slightly different and Mickael thinks he will be even better on it, so let's give it a try. The trip is also the same as the Dubai Turf."
A first outing on dirt was a possibility at the end of 2024, and Reynier added: "He has got American connections and they always wanted to try him on dirt.
"They wanted me to send him to California for the Breeders' Cup Classic last year but I thought the QEII was a better choice – to stay in Europe with a better chance."
Facteur Cheval came off second-best to star miler Charyn on that occasion and, despite only having one Group 1 success, the six-time winner has multiple placings at the highest level.
"He is a living legend for us," added Reynier. "He is a lovely horse and always gives his best, so it is exciting to go to Saudi with him.
"We will see how he competes with the Japanese and Americans in the Saudi Cup before probably heading back to the Dubai Turf.
"The Dubai World Cup is 2,000m with two turns on a particular surface. I think he'll be better suited by the Dubai Turf before coming back to Europe." JOCKEY CLUB OF SAUDI ARABIA
