Saudi Crown Hopes Ack Ack Brings Breeders’ Cup Return

After a forgettable displaying finally 12 months’s Breeders’ Cup, Saudi Crown  hopes to punch his ticket for a return to the world championships within the Sept. 28 Ack Ack Stakes (G3) beneath the lights at Churchill Downs.

The Brad Cox trainee completed in tenth, a distant 12 3/4 lengths again within the Breeders’ Cup Basic (G1) final 12 months at Santa Anita Park. The Ack Ack is a part of the Breeders’ Cup Problem Collection: Win and You are In, with the victor of Saturday’s race gaining an automated and free entry into the Dust Mile (G1) Nov. 2 at Del Mar.

Winner of the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1), Saudi Crown has solely raced 4 occasions this 12 months, principally within the early months. By At all times Dreaming  , Saudi Crown received the Louisiana Stakes (G3) earlier than heading to King Abdulaziz Racecourse for the Saudi Cup (G1). He confronted off towards a number of Breeders’ Cup Basic rivals: Senor Buscador , Ushba Tesoro , Derma Sotogake , and Basic winner White Abarrio . 

Given a relaxation following that March 30 race, Saudi Crown returned to the worktab in the US June 14. Cox pointed his pupil to the R.A. “Cowboy” Jones Stakes at Ellis Park the place he led practically the whole race and received by 1 3/4 lengths. Jockey Florent Geroux knew that was the proper tune-up for what was to return. 

“This being his first begin since competing abroad, it was a great spot to get again earlier than larger races this fall,” Geroux mentioned. 

Regardless of the colt having greater than $3 million in profession earnings, the Ack Ack should not be a walkover. 

Wathnan Racing’s Cagliostro  stumbled badly out of the gate within the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course final day trip, costing him badly wanted floor and ending a distant fourth. Viewing that race as an outlier of his 12 months, Cagliostro has run nicely with two firsts and a second for Cherie DeVaux.

One other Wathnan entry is the Louisiana-bred Tumbarumba . The son of Oscar Efficiency   has hit the board in his final seven begins (2-4-1) and in 9 of his final 10. 

Then there may be Mufasa , who’s making his third begin within the U.S. Skilled by Ignacio Correas, IV and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., the 5-year-old son of Sensible Joke   was a sport sixth in a Churchill Downs allowance. Nonetheless, he bounced again for a convincing win at Colonial Downs Aug. 12.

Rounding out the sphere are Large Blue Line , Stage Raider, and Three Approach .