Renowned trainer Mick Appleby orchestrated yet another successful overseas campaign with Annaf clinching victory in the prestigious Saudi National Bank 1351 Turf Sprint. The five-year-old gelding, guided by jockey Rossa Ryan, emerged triumphant in a thrilling display of strategic prowess and speed at the heart of Riyadh.
Despite being allocated stall 12, Annaf navigated the racecourse with finesse, positioning himself along the inside rail after a shrewd manoeuvre towards the rear of the field. Skillfully biding his time, Ryan expertly steered Annaf past his competitors, unveiling a burst of acceleration as they approached the final stretch. The gallant duo surged ahead, leaving Takashi Saito’s La La Christine trailing in their wake.
In a modest gesture, Appleby redirected praise to Ryan, acknowledging the jockey's pivotal role in the victory. Reflecting on Annaf's remarkable progress, Appleby expressed confidence in the gelding's potential for further growth and hinted at a prospective venture to Japan.
Appleby's success in international events, including Big Evs' triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, has become a recurrent theme in his illustrious career. Embracing a spirit of boundless ambition, he remarked, "It’s becoming a habit, sky’s the limit!"
Ryan, who shares a special rapport with Annaf, attributed their triumph to a harmonious partnership built on intuition and precision. Delving into the nuances of the race, he highlighted Annaf's ability to thread through tight spaces and accelerate with unwavering determination.
At the same time, Aidan O’Brien's Tower Of London triumphed in a captivating display of skill and resilience during the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap. Guided by the esteemed jockey Ryan Moore, the four-year-old showcased his mettle by surging past competitors to claim victory in a fiercely contested Group Three handicap.
Despite a challenging start from stall 12, Tower Of London navigated the track with finesse, gradually making his way towards the inner rail as the race unfolded. Moore's astute guidance and the colt's unwavering determination propelled them past the finish line, edging out rival contenders with strategic precision.
Reflecting on Tower Of London's performance, Moore commended the colt's pedigree and resilience, underscoring his potential for future success on the turf. Embracing a patient approach amidst a field devoid of pace, Moore adeptly positioned Tower Of London for a triumphant surge in the closing stages.
Yoshito Yahagi's Forever Young emerged victorious in the Boutique Group Saudi Derby, marking a significant milestone in the Japanese runner's career. Displaying a remarkable burst of speed, Forever Young outclassed his rivals to secure a narrow victory over Book’em Danno in a thrilling finish.
Yahagi lauded Forever Young's tenacity and resilience in a challenging race, emphasising the colt's ability to overcome obstacles and deliver a stellar performance. Looking ahead, Yahagi outlined ambitious plans for the colt, aiming to participate in the UAE Derby en route to a potential bid at the illustrious Kentucky Derby.