2020 Saudi Cup Betting Preview PT 1

There is a lot of reasons to be excited and intrigued by the Saudi Cup which, in its first iteration, has already proven to be one of the most controversial thoroughbred races in a generation. Despite not having even run yet, many are looking to the race as an attempt at “Sportswashing” as the kingdom attempts to reinvent itself as a tourist destination, holding major heavyweight fights and an honest to goodness rave in recent weeks.

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The race itself has bred several factions within the thoroughbred community, most of the controversy coming from American critics that the countries human rights record should preclude Americans from taking part in the $20 million dollar contest in the desert. 

It has already forced a significant change to another race with the G1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park completely swapping its model for this year’s race since the Saudi Cup now runs three weeks afterwards. 

They have dropped the $500,000 buy-in and lowered the purse to $3m from $10m and devoting a 2% stake to aftercare. A Grade 1 race for older horses in January for three million dollars is still a welcome destination for many American racing contenders but the race no longer has the uniqueness that it boasted in previous years. 

The Saudi Cup is a likely motivating factor for the recent purchase into Maximum Security by Coolmore. They obviously see him as an up and coming stallion prospect and a potential 3YO Horse of the Year winner. One would have to think tagging along on his upcoming racing season means plenty for Coolmore and he could wind up being another sharp purchase.