Bob Baffert returns to the Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse aiming to overcome past near-misses, having finished second three times after losing leads in the final 100 meters. This year, he enters two horses, Nysos and Nevada Beach, but faces a formidable challenge from defending champion Forever Young, who has a strong record of late-race rallies, including winning the 2025 Saudi Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Baffert acknowledges the difficulty of holding a lead in the final stretch and hopes his horses can stay competitive against Forever Young’s proven finishing kick.

The field also includes notable contenders such as Kenny McPeek’s Rattle N Roll and Brad Cox’s Bishops Bay, both with strong credentials and previous Saudi Cup experience. Japanese horses Forever Young, Luxor Cafe, and Sunrise Zipangu add international depth, while local hopefuls like Mhally and Ameerat Alzamaan bring regional talent. The Saudi Cup remains a prestigious event with a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland, underscoring the global significance and competitive intensity of this year’s race.