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.
This talented son of Uncle Mo brings a nice record of six wins from eight career starts (with a third) into the Saudi Cup, which is also his 2026 debut.
He began his career in the U.S. in the care of Brad Cox for breeder WinStar Farm in partnership with Siena Farm, where he earned four of his wins in maiden and allowance company, his lone North American stakes appearance producing a third-place finish in the Pimlico Special (G3) at Pimlico.
Purchased out of the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing age sale last year for $325,000, he was exported to Saudi Arabia, with this race always in the crosshairs for his new connections.
He finished up his 4-year-old season with a win in the King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup in late December, the local prep for the Saudi Cup. The two wins over this surface surely make him a legit contender, despite the “who has he beaten?” arguments, and having been in the country for at least a few months to acclimate only helps.
This is a giant jump in class, but he’s got some tactical turn of foot, which only helps his chances since the race figures to weigh heavily on both the speed and closers' side. He’s worth the wager as the hometown horse, especially in exotics bets.
Notes: The most notable thing about Star of Wonder is that his dam, Starship Warpspeed, also produced 2020’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and Shedaresthedevil (by Daredevil) … Other notable progeny includes a now 4-year-old full sister to Star of Wonder, who brought $2.5 million 2023 at Keeneland September, and other foals by top sires Gun Runner and Speightster.
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.
