Via Robert Kieckhefer in upi.com: Saturdays $20 million Saudi Cup is not only the richest race in the world, but also, potentially, this years best. And that 1 1/8 miles is only the capper on a program that has stars from around the globe competing from sprints to marathons, on dirt and on turf. The question of the day is: Can Romantic Warrior, the Hong Kong superstar already ranked as the top money-earner in Thoroughbred history, transition successfully from turf to the dirt surface at King Abdulaziz Racecourse? If he can, even the opposition reckons him a good bet to earn his 11th Group 1 victory in a fifth nation and push his earnings over the $33 million mark. The undercard has runners who have competed in the worlds top races, including last years winner, Remake; reigning Breeders Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser; and Japan Cup runner-up Shin Emperor. The Saudi Derby has several contenders who could go on to the UAE Derby and the Run for the Roses.
