All systems go: Mishriff set for rematch with Sealiway in Saudi Cup

Mishriff is reported bang on course for a defence of his $20 million (£14.7m/€17.5m) Saudi Cup crown in Riyadh on February 26 when he is set to face a rematch with his Champion Stakes conqueror Sealiway.

John and Thady Gosden's international flagbearer is 11-4 favourite to win the world's richest race for a second year and, if successful, would surpass the mighty Winx as the top-earning racehorse of all time.

Mishriff bypassed the Breeders' Cup after finishing fourth behind Sealiway at Ascot on Champions Day last October, but he could have the edge this time around as his French-trained rival has yet to start on dirt.

Reflecting on his ground-breaking win of a year ago under David Egan, co-trainer Thady Gosden said: "It was wonderful to win a race like the Saudi Cup in just its second year in 2021 and it was great for Prince Faisal and his whole family to be there.

"Mishriff was drawn a bit wide but still managed to run the US horses down in the last half-furlong. The track suits European horses more as it has one turn and a longer straight. The surface is also a bit kinder to our horses as it's a bit fluffier and the kickback is not as bad."

Mishriff prepares to canter on Warren Hill on Tuesday morning

On the chances of a repeat on February 26, Gosden added: "Obviously he's a year older and has done a bit of growing and has been training nicely for the race so far, and we're just hoping for a smooth run into it. There are plenty of positives including that he's a good traveller, has a great mind and takes things in his stride which makes things easy in that regard."

Mishriff showed his versatility in 2021 when going from Saudi to further glory in Dubai and later putting up a stunning display to win the Juddmonte International at York.

As regards plans for 2022, Gosden said: "We'll get the Saudi Cup out of the way and then there are two races he could go for on World Cup night at Meydan, including the Dubai World Cup, and then he could come back here for a summer campaign. Beyond that, there are a few bridges to cross before the Breeders' Cup, but it would be interesting if he got there for sure."

Sealiway (left) wins the Champion Stakes at Ascot in OctoberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Sealiway is set to have his first run on dirt in the Saudi Cup as well as a first start for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

The four-year-old was trained by Cedric Rossi when winning at Ascot.

Graffard said: "From what I've seen of Sealiway, I'm a bit worried that he will be ready in time for the Saudi Cup as he does everything so easily. Obviously, we don't know about the surface for him as he's never raced on it, but the drop back to nine furlongs should be no problem as he has plenty of pace."

One of the chief support races on the card is the Group 3 Neom Cup which could host a strong British turnout, with classy pair Pyledriver and Lord North in the mix.

Pyledriver (red cap): could take his chance in the Group 3 Neom CupCredit: Mark Cranham

Co-trainer William Muir gave Pyledriver a spin at Kempton on Tuesday morning in preparation for a crack at the 1m2½f turf contest, which carries a purse of $1.5 million (£1.1m/€1.3m).

Muir said: "We were initially invited for the Saudi Cup as well, but we want to go for the Sheema Classic in Dubai after this so going nine furlongs on dirt beforehand didn't look ideal. He's in great shape and is getting used to travelling now having run in Hong Kong last time when he finished second in the Vase."

On the long-absent Lord North, Gosden said: "He had a bit of an issue last summer which ruled him out of a European campaign after which we gave him all the time he needed to recover. He's bouncing about the place and can't wait to get out there."

Saudi Cup (February 26)

William Hill: 7-2 Mishriff, 4 Mandaloun, 5 TO Keynes, 8 Happy Saver, 10 Real World, Midnight Boom, 12 Sealiway, March Lorraine, Country Grammer, 14 bar.

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