Godolphin double handed in $20 million Saudi Cup

Real World and Magna Cours carry Godolphin’s hopes in the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup, the highlight of the eight-race card at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on Saturday.

Saeed bin Suroor’s Real World has been a revelation having registered five wins on the trot in his last five starts as he bids for his biggest career prize in 11 starts.

The five-year-old son of Dark Angel is returning to the dirt surface having won all his last five races on the turf but Bin Suroor is confident his versatility in handling both surfaces equally well.

“We had to run Real World on the turf in the Zabeel Mile [at Meydan on January 28] to get him fit and ready for this race,” the Emirati said.

“He won well that day, when I felt that he was just 90 per cent fit. He won over a mile in Dubai but I know that nine furlongs here will be better for him.

“Stall four is a great draw. Real World always shows a good turn of foot and can jump from the gates. Frankie Dettori knows the horse, having won on him in France last year, and it would be great to see him run well.”

Magny Cours has run well on the dirt at Meydan in 2021, finishing third behind Mystic Guide in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup.

The son of Medaglia d’Oro subsequently enjoyed a successful European campaign, taking second in the Group 2 Prix Dollar and flying home to win the Group 3 Prix Perth, before coming home a close third in the Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy.

“Magny Cours travelled out very well and has adapted well to his surroundings in Saudi Arabia,” his trainer Andre Fabre said.

David Egan rides Mishriff to victory in the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Getty

“They are taking excellent care of him out there and he