Trainer Brad Cox has yet to decide if Saudi Crown, his 5-year-old horse, will compete in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The Pegasus is a major race, but Cox is focused on preparing Saudi Crown for the $20 million Saudi Cup, his top priority. Saudi Crown recently showed promise with a strong win at Fair Grounds, but his next move depends on several key factors.
Saudi Crown’s Recent Performance
Saudi Crown’s latest race was the listed Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds, where he came out on top. This victory followed a disappointing 13th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Trainer Brad Cox considered entering Saudi Crown in the Cigar Mile (G2) after the Breeders’ Cup but chose the Tenacious Stakes to test if the horse was still at his best. Saudi Crown delivered a strong performance, giving Cox confidence in his potential.
Next Steps for Saudi Crown
This week, Saudi Crown was relocated to Payson Park for training. He is scheduled to breeze there on Saturday, which will help Cox and his team decide on the horse’s next race. Cox explained that the decision to enter Saudi Crown in the Pegasus World Cup depends on several factors, including:
- Race Timing: Whether Saudi Crown needs another race before the Saudi Cup.
- Competition: How the Pegasus World Cup field shapes up.
A Look Back: Saudi Crown’s 2024 Season
Last year, Saudi Crown had a strong showing in major races. He won the Louisiana Stakes (G2) and then competed in the Saudi Cup, where he finished third, just a fraction of a length behind Señor Buscador and Ushba Tesoro. His team is now carefully planning his path for 2025 to ensure he’s in peak form for the Saudi Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world.
The Pegasus World Cup’s Importance
The Pegasus World Cup is a prestigious race with a $3 million purse. It often attracts top horses and trainers. For Saudi Crown, running in the Pegasus would be a chance to build momentum before the Saudi Cup. However, Cox is balancing the risks of an additional race with the horse’s long-term goals.
Brad Cox’s decision on whether Saudi Crown will run in the Pegasus World Cup depends on the horse’s condition, the competition, and how Saturday’s training session goes. While fans are eager to see Saudi Crown compete, Cox’s priority is ensuring the horse is ready for the $20 million Saudi Cup. With a history of strong performances, Saudi Crown has the potential to shine on the international stage again.
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