Neom Turf Cup & Red Sea Turf Handicap Riyadh Preview (Sat 14th Feb 2026)

Saudi Cup Night is a series of eight thoroughbred horse races and one Purebred Arabian race held annually at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was first established in 2020.^[1]

Run under the auspices of the Saudi Arabia Jockey Club, the event currently offers purses totalling US$33.5 million (as of 2024) and is the single richest day of Thoroughbred racing in the world .

Neom Turf Cup Presented by Howden (Group 1) (Turf) (4yo+) Winner £1,333,333 11 runners 1m2f110y Good To Firm RTV

race conditions  £2,222,222 guaranteed For  4yo+ Entries  11 Penalty value  1st  £1,333,333.33 2nd  £444,444.44 3rd  £222,222.22 4th  £111,111.11 5th  £66,666.67 6th  £44,444.44 .

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) SHIN EMPEROR (121) (2) ROYAL CHAMPION (120) (3) ALOHI ALLI

Bahrain International winner ROYAL CHAMPION  should go well for Karl Burke and Oisin Murphy . The 8-Y-0 gelding has looked better than ever this season, winning two group 2 races in good style, also finished creditable third in G1 Irish Champion stakes at Leopardstown in September. Odds 4-1 or above looks solid each-way value . 

Last years winner SHIN EMPEROR looks obvious danger on his best form.The Japanese five-year-old was impressive winner in this race last year, though is not the most consistent sort  and has been bit disappointing on recent starts , including finishing behind Royal Champion in Irish Champion stakes.Will need bounce back, though looked unsuited to testing ground conditions last time . 

Of the others the four-year-old Japanese colt ALOHI ALLI  looks the most interesting , though disappointing in the Arc De Triomphe , had previously been an impressive winner of the G2 contest at Deauville in August.Front runner who will be suited returning to this shorter trip.

VERDICT : (1) ROYAL CHAMPION (2) ALOHI ALLI (3) SHIN EMPEROR .

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Red Sea Turf Handicap Presented by Longines (Group 2) (Turf) (4yo+) Winner £1,111,111 11 runners 1m7f Good To Firm RTV

11 Runners declared for wide open group two staying handicap over 1M 7F .

Last years runner-up EPIC POET  looks sure go well, after finishing promising second last month at Meydan in group two Al Khali Trophy, staying on well in closing stages for never nearer half-lengh second to Sunway .That was decent effort after six month break.Was very consistent last season, including finishing close second in Yorkshire Cup behind the useful Rebels Romance .Odds 4-1 or above look Solid each-way value .

The Joseph O'Brien trained four-year-old colt TENNESSEE STUD  looks the the main danger, had some decent form last season , including finishing third & fourth in English and Irish Derby .Finished the season with victory in 15F group two contest at Lonchamp. Looks open to further improvement this season over staying trips. 

Of the others the Japanese gelding STUVE  looks the most interesting, had some useful form back in 2024 , including winning two group two contests .Faced stiff task in Japan Cup last time , though had previously finished close fifth in group two handicap atTokyo.This longer trip should suit .Place claims .

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RECOMMENDED BETS :

ROYAL CHAMPION 4.10 RIYADH NEOM TURF CUP

(1PT WIN BSP ) (1PT PLACE BSP ) GUIDE PRICE 4-1 

EPIC POET 4.50 RIYADH RED SEA TURF HANDICAP 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 11-2 SKYBET & PADDY POWER (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

1/4 PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @SP & 11-2 SKYBET & PADDY POWER