TAIF: Carmel Road (USA) is poised to add a touch of spice to racing at King Khalid Racecourse this weekend when the former Bob Baffert inmate makes his Taif debut for trainer Bader Rizaiq.
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The son of Quality Road was a big-money purchase by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Sons from the Californian-based trainer, and after being set some stiff tasks in Riyadh last campaign he has his sights lowered for race three on the card — an open contest over 1400m.
The mount of Fawaz Wannas was down the field in the 2024 Saudi Cup behind Senor Buscador (USA) and took 11th in The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup last January, and should find this test easier.
He takes on familiar names, including Honky Tonk Man (IRE), which steps up in trip after his comeback run for jockey Nawaf Almudiani, trainer Hadi Gharawi, and owner Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz, and recent open winner Ajwadi (GB) for in-form handler Thamer Aldaihani.
