The $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) is Saturday, Feb. 14, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and US Racing is publishing profiles of all the contenders.
It’s a good bet that few Louisiana-breds have made the gate at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, but it’s a good bet that the connections of Tumbarumba aren’t trying to make that kind of history in Saturday’s Saudi Cup (G1).
The gelded son of Oscar Performance is certainly well-traveled, having raced in five states before landing in Dubai at the end of last year, where, after a fifth in the Al Maktoum Mile (G2), he prepped for this race with a second in the Al Maktoum Challenge (G1) behind the highly regarded Imperial Emperor.
Adding Saudi Arabia and a $20 million race to his passport seems normal for him despite his humble beginnings.
Wathnan Racing acquired the horse privately in mid-2024 and made his first start for his new connections in the Hanshin Stakes at Churchill Downs in June 2024. He was owned by Amerman Racing.
His two fourth-place finishes on the international stage (Breeders’ Cup) suggest he’s capable of earning a piece with a top effort. However, his experience at longer distances may be a concern despite his pedigree, and he lacks overall consistency. Look elsewhere in your wagers.
Notes: Trainer Brian Lynch bought Tumbarumba for just $30,000 as a Fasig-Tipton October yearling in 2021 and trained him until he was exported to Dubai at the end of 2025... the gelding is a two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) contender, finishing fourth in both 2024 and 2025 at Del Mar.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
