Riyadh Dirt Sprint 2026: The Global Zenith of Speed
- Archie Brookes
- 6 days ago
- 11 min read
By Archie Brookes (@abracing0)
The landscape of international thoroughbred sprinting undergoes a profound transformation each February as the global racing community converges upon the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Central to this transformation is the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, a Group 2 fixture contested over 1,200 metres that has, in a remarkably short period, established itself as a definitive test of speed, surface adaptability, and tactical acumen.
With a purse of $2,000,000, the 2026 renewal represents the zenith of the race’s evolutionary trajectory, attracting a field that synthesises elite North American speed, meticulous Japanese dirt specialisation, and a burgeoning domestic Saudi Arabian excellence that is no longer merely competitive but increasingly dominant on its own soil.
Institutional History and Global Positioning
The Riyadh Dirt Sprint was inaugurated in 2020 as part of the maiden Saudi Cup weekend, an event designed by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) to reposition the Kingdom as a premier destination for elite international sport. Initially contested as the "Saudi Cup Sprint" with a US$1.5 million purse, the race was conceived to fill a strategic gap in the international calendar, providing a high-value dirt alternative for sprinters who might otherwise target the Dubai Golden Shaheen or remain in North America for the early season stakes.
The rapid ascendancy of the race's prestige is evidenced by its swift promotion through the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) grading system. By 2022, the race attained Group 3 status, and in recognition of the consistent high-quality fields it attracted - most notably the 2023 victory by the American champion Elite Power - it was elevated to Group 2 for the 2025 renewal.
The North American Speed Vanguard
North American racing remains the gold standard for dirt sprinting. For 2026, the American delegation is characterised by elite Grade 1 form and high-velocity speed figures.
Imagination (USA) | Trainer: Bob Baffert
A 5-year-old son of the champion sire Into Mischief, representing the most formidable American threat. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for a powerful syndicate including SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, Imagination enters Riyadh with a profile of elite consistency. Managed by the "Avengers" bloodstock team, his 2025 campaign was highlighted by a stunning victory in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (below), returning from an eight-month layoff to defeat Straight No Chaser. He subsequently finished a game second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, beaten narrowly after a wide trip.
Out of an Empire Maker mare, he possesses the stamina and "bone" required for Riyadh; his ability to stalk the pace and accelerate off a fast turn makes him the tactical archetype for this race. Baffert, attending the meeting in person, has expressed high confidence in his ability to handle the travel and the 1,200-metre dash.
Lovesick Blues (USA) | Trainer: Librado Barocio
An 8-year-old gelding and the veteran campaigner of the field. His victory in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar in July 2025 demonstrated that his speed has not diminished with age. Specialising in the "fresh" approach, his form is corroborated by his Bing Crosby win and a narrow second in the San Simeon Stakes following a long layoff.
Bred by Nick Alexander and purchased privately by Barocio for Mia Familia Racing Stable, the horse represents a small stable success story on the world stage. Tactically, he is a deep closer; although beaten seven lengths in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Sprint, he was finishing exceptionally fast after a troubled trip. If the Riyadh leaders engage in a contested speed duel, his style is perfectly suited to capitalise on a collapsing pace.
Just Beat The Odds (USA) | Trainer: Gregg Sacco
A 6-year-old gelding by Munnings who brings perhaps the most raw "dirt speed" in the American group. Trained for Donna Wright, he enters as a speed figure juggernaut following a masterclass in tactical aggression in the Grade 3 Elite Power Stakes at Aqueduct in December. In that performance, he sat off a fast pace before engaging the leader at the three-furlong mark and pulling away to win by nearly three lengths.
Statistically, his Equibase Speed Figure of 111 is one of the highest in the field, indicating the mechanical capacity to compete with elite Grade 1 sprinters. Bred by Red Oak Stable, he is a half-brother to multiple stakes winners, boasting a pedigree saturated with speed.
The Japanese Dirt Revolution
Japanese racing has transitioned into a global dirt powerhouse. The 2026 field includes four Japanese-trained runners, each possessing extreme fitness and sustained cruising speed.
American Stage (JPN) | Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
A high-profile 4-year-old colt by the champion US sire Into Mischief out of Bonita Mia (by Warrior’s Reward). Owned by Yoshizawa Holdings Co. Ltd. and trained by the legendary Yoshito Yahagi, the US-bred colt was a major investment, selling for $500,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
After a successful juvenile season in Japan featuring a three-race winning streak and a victory in the Chukyo Nisai Stakes, he transitioned to the international stage in 2025. His campaign included a second in the Grade 3 Mahab Al Shimaal and a sixth in the Grade 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan. In November 2025, he outperformed his odds to finish a highly respectable fourth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar (below), where he also served as the primary training partner for his famous stablemate, Forever Young. Most recently, he began his four-year-old season last month, disappointing with an 11th-place finish in the Open-class January Stakes at Nakayama. Despite this result, he remains one of Japan's highest-rated sprinters.
Partnered with Yahagi’s stable jockey Ryusei Sakai, the pair shares a deep tactical understanding vital for the high-pressure environment of Riyadh.
Gabby's Sister (JPN) | Trainer: Kazutomo Mori
A 5-year-old mare who represents the elite of Japan’s female sprinting division. Owned by Kazuhiko Nagashima, her breakthrough victory came in the 2024 Grade 3 Capella Stakes as favourite - marking her trainer's first graded stakes title.
She returns to Riyadh following a highly respectable third-place finish in the 2025 renewal of this race behind Straight No Chaser under Christophe Lemaire (above). Breeding-wise, she is by Apollo Kingdom (USA) out of Ange d’Etoile (JPN) by Special Week (JPN), a pedigree suited to the Riyadh surface. Her 2025 Japanese campaign saw consistent efforts, including placings in the Listed Tokyo Sprint and Listed Oval Sprint, alongside a fourth-place finish when attempting to defend her Capella title in December.
With a record of 5 wins from 12 starts and earnings exceeding ¥98 million, her versatile style - typically stalking the leaders before unleashing a strong closing kick - makes her a primary threat.
Yamanin Cerchi (JPN) | Trainer: Naoya Nakamura
A 4-year-old chestnut colt who is currently one of the most exciting prospects in the Japanese dirt sprinting category. Bred at Nishikioka Farm and owned by Hajime Doi, he possesses an impressive record of 6 wins and 2 seconds from 11 starts, with earnings exceeding ¥151 million. By the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Four Wheel Drive (USA) out of Yamaninpetitgateau (JPN), his pedigree is ideally suited for shorter dirt tracks.
His 2025 campaign was highly productive, featuring dominant victories in the Jpn2 Tokyo Hai (above), Jpn3 Summer Champion, and Jpn3 Hokkaido Sprint Cup, alongside an early-season win in the Open-class Violet Stakes. He arrives in Riyadh following a high-calibre performance in the Grade 3 Capella Stakes in December 2025, where he finished a strong second carrying a heavy 58kg.
Now under the care of Naoya Nakamura - who took over training duties in December - his ability to track the pace from a handy position makes him a primary threat to the early leaders on the Riyadh surface.
Don Amitie (JPN) | Trainer: Teiichi Konno
A 6-year-old horse and the final contender of the Japanese quartet. Foaled on 27 January 2020 and bred by Murata Bokujo for owner Koichi Yamada, Don Amitie is a robust sprinter typically weighing in around 500kg. Trained by Teiichi Konno at Ritto Training Centre, he enters Riyadh with a career record of 7 wins from 20 starts and earnings of approximately ¥154 million.
A son of Asia Express out of Classics (by King Halo), he is a 1,200-metre specialist who proved his rare versatility in 2025 by placing third in the Grade 3 Hakodate Sprint Stakes on turf (above). His dirt form remains his primary asset, highlighted by dominant open-class victories in the Tennozan, Yamato, and Rinku Stakes. Tactically, he is a dangerous front-runner or stalker with high natural gate speed, perfectly suited to the fast King Abdulaziz surface.
International Challenges: Europe, Hong Kong, and the UAE
The 2026 renewal features a diverse array of global challengers representing different training philosophies.
Royal Zabeel (GB) | Trainer: Mick Appleby
A 5-year-old gelding representing the bridge between European all-weather form and international dirt. Trained by Mick Appleby, a handler renowned for his success in transitioning European speedsters to Middle Eastern dirt - as seen with his past champion Annaf - Royal Zabeel enters Riyadh following a career-best victory in the Listed Golden Rose Stakes at Southwell (below). He also secured a high-level handicap win at Newmarket during the summer.
Owned by The Horse Watchers, a syndicate known for their data-driven approach to racing, the horse was a £30,000 purchase that has already earned close to £120,000. While he has never raced on dirt, Southwell’s Tapeta surface is considered the closest synthetic analogue to dirt in terms of "kick" and resistance. His ability to win over 6 furlongs in standard-to-slow conditions suggests he has the stamina required for a Riyadh dirt sprint.
Self Improvement (AUS) | Trainer: Manfred Man
A 6-year-old gelding trained by Manfred Man, the conditioner of the champion Lucky Sweynesse. His most significant career achievement was a gritty victory in the Grade 3 Korea Sprint in Seoul in September (below), where he defeated elite Japanese opposition (including Chikappa) on a deep, sandy surface that is arguably more demanding than Riyadh.
While Hong Kong horses rarely race on dirt, Self Improvement is a specialist on Sha Tin’s all-weather track. His victory on the Seoul sand - which requires extreme stamina and kickback tolerance - makes him a highly credible threat for the Riyadh undercard. Jockey Jerry Chau, who rode him to victory in Korea, remains a key component of the horse’s success, providing the tactical aggression necessary to navigate the kickback and maintain clear vision.
Colour Up (IRE) | Trainer: Doug Watson
An 8-year-old gelding owned by Sayed Hashish and trained by multiple-time UAE champion Doug Watson. A son of Mehmas out of Tifariti (USA), Colour Up has established himself as a mainstay of the Meydan sprint division with career earnings of approximately £400,000. Most recently, he finished 3rd in the Group 3 Al Shindagha Sprint (below) and 3rd in the Group 3 Dubawi Stakes.
His form surged significantly following a wind operation in 2024, proving him to be a tough, "grinding" competitor. His notable victories include the Listed Jebel Ali Sprint and the Listed Al Garhoud Sprint.
Watson expects him to be "in the mix", utilising his gate speed to secure a forward position and stay out of trouble on the King Abdulaziz dirt.
Echo Point (UAE) | Trainer: Musabbeh Almheiri
An 8-year-old versatile contender who enters as a Dubawi hybrid with form on both turf and dirt. Trained by Musabbeh Almheiri, Echo Point is rated 105 on both surfaces, proving his elite ability across disciplines.
He demonstrated his affinity for dirt with a dominant six-length victory in a 1,400-metre handicap at Meydan in November 2025. He arrives in Riyadh having maintained his raw speed, most recently finishing a strong second in the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint on turf (above). A son of the legendary Dubawi out of a Medaglia d’Oro mare, his pedigree provides a virtual blueprint for success on Middle Eastern dirt tracks.
The Domestic Elite: Saudi Arabian Successors
The most significant development in the race’s history is the emergence of Saudi Arabian-trained horses who are now legitimate Group 2 contenders.
Muqtahem (IRE) | Trainer: Abdullah Alsidrani
A 5-year-old gelding and currently the highest-rated domestic sprinter in the Kingdom. Trained by Abdullah Alsidrani for Sheikh Abdullah Homoud Almalek Alsabah, the horse is the primary focus of the stable’s 2026 campaign. He possesses an extraordinary strike rate with 11 wins from 20 starts; his most notable performance was finishing second in the 2025 Riyadh Dirt Sprint to Straight No Chaser (below), where he nearly pulled off a monumental upset.
Holding a local dirt rating of 110, Muqtahem possesses a "home-field" advantage and confirmed his current fitness by winning the Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Cup last month.
Min Shan (KSA) | Trainer: Saad Aljenade
A 4-year-old colt and the rising star of the domestic scene. Owned by the White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons and trained by Saad Aljenade, the horse represents the pinnacle of Saudi royal ownership. Min Shan secured his place in the field by winning the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier in last month (below), completing a hat-trick of wins over the 1,200-metre trip. He is a son of Spring At Last, a sire known for producing high-quality dirt performers.
His rapid improvement through the 2025-2026 Riyadh season suggests he may yet have another gear for the Group 2 level.
Transferred (IRE) | Trainer: Thamer Aldaihani
A 5-year-old gelding and a formidable entry for the domestic challenge. Bred in Ireland by Yeomanstown Stud, Transferred is by the elite sprint sire Dark Angel (IRE) out of Samaah (IRE) by Cape Cross. He began his career in the UK under Kevin Philippart De Foy before being exported to join the Riyadh racing ranks.
A specialist over 1,200 metres, he possesses a rare ability to perform at a high level on both turf and dirt. His technical versatility was highlighted by a victory on the Riyadh turf in February 2025 (above), clocking a blistering 1:09.759. Most recently, he finished a credible fourth in a 1,351-metre Open class turf event last month under Muhammad Aldaham for trainer Thamer Aldaihani, a performance that underscores his well-being as he transitions back to the dirt.
Tactical Forecasting: The Riyadh 1,200m Chessboard
The 2026 Riyadh Dirt Sprint is anticipated to be a "fast but fair" contest, with the early pace likely dictated by Just Beat The Odds and American Stage.
Phase 1: The Break and the Turn (0-400m)
The short run to the turn makes the break critical. Just Beat The Odds, drawn potentially in a middle stall, will seek to "clear" the field and secure the rail. American Stage, under Ryusei Sakai, is also known for forward positioning and will likely apply pressure on the outside. Domestic champion Muqtahem will seek to sit just behind the early speed - a tactic that served him well in 2025.
Phase 2: The Sweeping Bend (400-800m)
The King Abdulaziz turns are gentle, allowing for horses to maintain their momentum. This is where Imagination will likely make his move. In his Santa Anita victory, he swung four-wide on the turn but maintained his balance and speed, a feat made easier by the 4% banking of the Riyadh turns.
Phase 3: The Riyadh Homestretch (800-1,200m)
The 400-metre straight is a test of pure stamina. This is where Self Improvement and Lovesick Blues will find their advantage. If the leaders have engaged in a :21.8 opening quarter-mile, the final 200 metres will reward the horse with the highest aerobic capacity. Muqtahem, having won several local Open races over this distance, has the tactical lung-power to hold off late challengers.
Theoretical Conclusions
The 2026 Riyadh Dirt Sprint serves as a vital barometer for the global racing season, providing a definitive cross-jurisdictional form-line that will reverberate through to the Dubai World Cup and the North American Grade 1 circuit. A Bob Baffert victory with Imagination would represent a significant statement of intent from the Hall of Famer; while Baffert has famously come agonisingly close to glory in the Saudi Cup itself, Imagination marks his first foray into this specific sprint contest, and a win would immediately validate his training model on this technical surface. Conversely, a victory for Muqtahem would be far more than a simple win; it would be a domestic coronation, signalling that the Saudi Arabian thoroughbred has reached parity with the world’s elite. Should the Japanese quartet prevail, it would once again underscore the meticulous tactical precision and superior dirt fitness of their national system.
Regardless of the individual victor, the race stands as a testament to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s success in creating a truly international theatre of speed, where global training philosophies collide in a high-stakes pursuit of excellence.