Lilaelem top-rated for HRH Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer Cup

RIYADH: Domestic Group Two action headlines this week’s racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse with a competitive field of 18 for Friday’s SR500,000 ($133,300) HRH Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer Cup.

The White Stable of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons dominate the field with four declared for the 2,000-meter contest headed by the top-rated Lilaelem (KSA) for jockey Rayan Altoairsh, who rides the winner of three-from-six starts for the first time.

Camilo Ospina was aboard for the 4-year-old’s successful return to action last month, but he switches to the experienced Lelah Doroh (KSA) who was second to the re-opposing Tahzeem (KSA) in the Abdullah bin Ibrahim Aba Alkhail Award race in October.

Kaflahom (KSA) is having just his fifth career start in the hands of Fawaz Alshammari and the White Stable quartet is completed by the Abdullah Alfairouz-ridden Morodan (KSA).

Tahzeem is one of three representatives for the Red Stable of Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz on the back of his recent strike and the 5-year-old son of Frozen Power bids for a remarkable sixth win in a row under champion Adel Alfouraidi.

Yemken (KSA) has landed two of his three most recent starts with both those wins coming over 2,400 meters, and he drops in distance for the Red Stable who also field a live candidate in Abo Shaikhah (KSA).

In opposition is prolific winner and recent Africa Cup hero, Aljamaanee (KSA), the returning Alkharsany (KSA) — who has his first outing for two years — and Abdullah bin Ibrahim Aba Alkhail Award third, Marsoom Alnayef (KSA).

Friday also sees 12 runners declared for the closing SR120,000 Prep for Crown Prince Cup over 2,400 meters with familiar names Louganini (Great Britain), Monsieur Jumbo (France),