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.
If you spell Haqeet backwards, it’s Teeqah.
Haqeet, who earned black type by winning the Taif Derby in 2024 and the King Saud Cup last year, was withdrawn from the listed Tuwaiq in favor of running in the far richer $20 million Saudi Cup (G1). The son of Arrogate is one of five Saudi horses in the 1,800-meter (1 1/8 mile) race, along with stablemate Star of Wonder, supplemental entry Ameerat Alzamaan, Mhally and Thundersquall.
Like many Saudi-trained hopefuls before him, Haqeet enters off strong local form but must bridge the gap between domestic success and the far deeper international dirt division that has defined the Saudi Cup.
He projects as a grinding, tactical runner who should secure position and keep going, but he must cope with a far stronger early tempo than he sees at home — the key hurdle that has historically separated Saudi-based contenders from the international elite in this race.
The flashy gray has spent most of his career at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where he has compiled a record of 4-1-0 from eight starts, including his five-length win in the King Saud Cup on Dec. 27. He also was 1-2-0 in three starts at Taif as a 3-year-old, including the Taif Derby.
In the irons will be international star jockey Mickael Barzalona, who brings world-class credentials — including a Dubai World Cup victory — but he’s not a Saudi Cup specialist. He has only limited local success and no wins in the marquee race, finishing seventh aboard Facteur Cheval last year.
His Saudi Jockey Club profile reflects only 22 rides total in Saudi Arabia with 1 win.
If things go according to script, Haqeet should stay on better than some pace casualties and could pass fading early speed, but likely will lack the acceleration to threaten the top tier, not to mention Forever Young.
Notes: Purchased as a yearling for $70,000 at Keeneland, the son of Arrogate was then tabbed for $310,000 at the OBS March sale of 2-year-olds by the White Stable of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz & Sons ... The royal operation routinely dominates Saudi domestic entries, and both its Saudi Cup runners are trained by locally based Saad Aljenade, a selective conditioner with a small but highly efficient win percentage (21 victories in 42 starts).
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.
