Riyadh horse racing tips: Forever Young vs Nysos for Saudi Cup crown on Saturday, February 14

After receiving no Valentine’s Day cards for the sixth year in a row, Sports News Blitz’s horse racing expert Kieran McHugh is hoping for a bit more luck as he heads to Riyadh.

The capital of Saudi Arabia hosts Saudi Cup night, headlined by the seventh running of the Saudi Cup itself.

Our racing pundit is hoping that he can invoke the spirit of Al-Hilal and go unbeaten.

Kieran McHugh’s racing tips

It is about time that Saudi Arabia came calling – after all, I could probably raise the standard of football there.

Maybe that is harsh. There is, of course, a standout player in that league … I am talking about Blackburn Rovers’ finest, John Buckley.

Anyway, after my Valentine’s Day misery, I have decided that the only true love in my life is racing.

Whether racing loves me back? Well, that will be answered by 17:40 on Saturday.

(All times below are in GMT.)

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12:00 (Riyadh) – Asian Racing Federation Cup

A difficult race to start. Almobeer has some form ahead of his competitors in this race and has finished behind some good sorts. He could be the most likely.

A chance could also be taken on Tahzeem. He arrives here in good form and Flavien Prat has been jocked up.

Suggested bets: ALMOBEER (WIN), TAHZEEM (E/W)

13:20 (Riyadh) – Tuwaiq Cup

A few familiar faces here. Scotland Yard has had an interrupted campaign of late and surely was entitled to his last performance. He ran in the Saudi Cup in 2024, finishing behind Senor Buscador. If back to his best, then he could outclass this field.

The other name of note is the former Aiden O’Brien inmate, Bernard Shaw. He won on his last start and is the mount of Irad Ortiz Jr, which is always a good sign.

Suggested bets: SCOTLAND YARD (WIN), BERNARD SHAW (E/W)

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14:00 (Riyadh) – Saudi Derby (Group 3)

Despite a strong American contingent, it is Sanono Voyage that receives the vote in this. The Japanese son of Into Mischief has notched three straight victories in Japan including the Cattleya Stakes, the first Kentucky Derby trial in Japan. He could be on the road to Kentucky.

Another mention goes to local horse Al Hareem. He has done nothing wrong in three starts and ran away with the 2000 Guineas to qualify for this race.

Suggested bets: SANTONO VOYAGE (WIN), AL HAREEM (E/W)

14:40 (Riyadh) – Riyadh Dirt Sprint (Group 2)

It is hard to look past Imagination in this race. Bob Baffert’s charge arrives at this race off the back of a second-placed finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. That is the best form around and with the Japanese challenger American Stage drawn in the car-park, the coast looks clear.

Yamanin Cerchi has been going well of late and has certainly been improving. With American Stage having to overcome the draw, he could be Japan’s best hope.

Suggested bets: IMAGINATION (WIN), YAMANIN CERCHI (E/W)

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15:25 (Riyadh) – 1351 Turf Sprint (Group 2)

Lazzat is the one to beat here but is also drawn widest of all. He could be vulnerable off a break so the vote goes to Panja Tower. He is a Grade One winner in Japan and was not far behind Autumn Glow in the Golden Eagle.

Elsewhere, Time To Dazzle could upset the party under Oisin Murphy. The manner in which she won at Keenland last time was impressive and if the seven furlongs is not too taxing, she is interesting.

Suggested bets: PANJA TOWER (WIN), TIME TO DAZZLE (E/W)

16:10 (Riyadh) – Neom Turf Cup (Group 1)

Facteur Cheval is an old favourite of mine and he has contested tougher races than this. If his travels have not caught up with him at the age of seven, then he should have the class to land this.

Survie is a notable competitor in this. Now with George Boughey, this mare has placed in many top-level races in her career. She won easily on her debut at Lingfield and could have gone under the radar for this race.

Suggested bets: FACTEUR CHEVAL (WIN), SURVIE (E/W)

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16:50 (Riyadh) – Red Sea Turf Handicap

The long-distance race is always of intrigue. Presage Nocturne has become a journeyman but is yet to strike. The grey went off as favourite for the Melbourne Cup but the race did go to plan. Despite that, he was fourth in this last year and a win here could be a springboard for his season.

Burdett Road is interesting considering he has been racing over fences at Cheltenham this year. His race at Meydan behind Meydaan was a good marker and he could surprise here.

Suggested bets: PRESAGE NOCTURNE (WIN), BURDETT ROAD (E/W)

17:40 (Riyadh) – Saudi Cup (Group 1)

Japanese star Forever Young bids to be the first repeat winner of the Saudi Cup, following on from his epic duel with Romantic Warrior last year. Forever Young is a class above in this and Nysos’ already tough challenge is made tougher by his draw. Forever Young is the best in the world for a reason.

Sunrise Zipangu has raced on both codes and his form ties in with Forever Young and some other classy Japanese horses. Expect him to be there at the business end.

Suggested bets: FOREVER YOUNG (WIN), SUNRISE ZIPANGU (E/W)

As ever, best of betting luck to you all.

(Selections are correct at time of publishing. Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from races, and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)

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