Annaf Scrapes Paint to Win 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh

[Wandering Eyes]

UK trainer Michael Appleby, who burst onto the international scene with a win in the $1-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint with Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) last year, doubled up on the world stage with a victory in the $2-million G2 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia by ANNAF (IRE) (h, 5, Muhaarar {GB}-Shimah, by Storm Cat). With Rossa Ryan aboard, Annaf found cover early and didn't waste an inch as he edged up throughout the running, finally slipping through the slimmest of seams to burst clear late and finish a half-length to the best. Japan's La La Christine (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn} was second while Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) was third. Last year's winner, Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), was slow away from the gates and never got involved.

Last seen finishing second on the all-weather at Lingfield Feb. 4, Annaf closed out 2023 with a G3 John Guest Racing Bengough S. at Ascot in October.

O-Fosnic Racing; B-Shadwell Estate Company Limited (Ire); T-Michael Appleby.

Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia
SAUDI NATIONAL BANK 1351 TURF SPRINT-G2, $2,000,000, King Abdulaziz, 2-24, NH4yo/up, SH3yo/up, 1351mT, 1:17.88, gd.
1–ANNAF (IRE), 125, h, 5, by Muhaarar (GB)
                1st Dam: Shimah (Hwt. 2yo Filly-Ire, SW & G1SP-Ire,
                                $161,479), by Storm Cat
                2nd Dam: Sayedat Alhadh, by Mr. Prospector
                3rd Dam: Muhbubh, by Blushing Groom (Fr)
(16,000gns HRA '21 TATOCT). O-Fosnic Racing; B-Shadwell
Estate Company, Ltd. (Ire); T-Michael Appleby; J-Rossa Ryan;
$1,200,000. Lifetime Record: GSW & G1SP-Eng, 26-8-3-3,
$1,590,994. *1/2 to Mushir (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), SW-Eng
& SP-UAE, $171,335. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–La La Christine (Jpn), 121, m, 6, Mikki Isle (Jpn)–Super
Madame (Jpn), by Tanino Gimlet (Jpn). (¥18,900,000 Ylg '19
JBBAAUG). O-Fujii Kosan Co., Ltd.; B-; T-T. Saito; J-C. Demuro;
$400,000.
3–Byline (GB), 125, g, 7, Muhaarar (GB)–Lauren Louise (GB), by
Tagula (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (140,000gns Ylg '18
TATOCT; 110,000gns HRA '20 TATOCT). O-Al Adiyat Racing; B- (GB); T-A. Smith; J-G. Mosse; $200,000.
Margins: 3/4, 3/4, HF.
Also Ran: Win Greatest (Jpn), Matilda Picotte (Ire), Aguri (Jpn), King Gold (Fr), Raaed (Ire), Jumby (Ire), Bathrat Leon (Jpn), Dr Zempf (GB), Art Power (Ire), Mysterious Night (Ire), Cold Front (GB). Click for the JCSA chart and video.

 

 

ANNAF for !!

A dream run up the rails under @Rossaryan15 in the G2 @snbalahli 1351 Turf Sprint.

Huge congrats, @MickApplebyUK #TheSaudiCup pic.twitter.com/gFVWvpW8R9

— The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 24, 2024

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