AMERICAN raiders Maximum Security and McKinzie are the favourites for the inaugural running of the $20 million Saudi Cup next Saturday.

A field of 14 is expected to take part in the nine-furlong contest on dirt at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, the richest race ever staged. There will be five USA runners, four from the UAE, and two from both Japan and Saudi Arabia. Magic Wand is the sole Irish runner and the Aidan O’Brien-trained mare is a 33/1 shot to win what will be her first race on the surface.

Heading the market is Maximum Security, infamous for being demoted from first place in the Kentucky Derby last year. Trained by Jason Servis for owners Gary and Mary West, the son of New Year’s Day (by Street Cry) won the Cigar Mile impressively on his latest start in December.

Trainer Bob Baffert hailed McKinzie as “the best in country” after his Whitney Stakes success at Saratoga last summer but the now five-year-old son of Street Sense (also by Street Cry) has been a beaten favourite on his latest two starts. However, he is second favourite for the Saudi Cup.

A third USA challenger, Midnight Bisou, is also prominent in the betting for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Godolphin will be represented by Benbatl, one of the world’s top-rated turf performers and an easy winner of a Group 2 at Meydan on his dirt debut earlier this month.

The big race is due off at 5.40pm (Irish time) and will be shown on both Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, as well as Virgin Media One in Ireland. At 1pm Aidan O’Brien’s Mount Everest is due to contest a 10-and-a-half-furlong turf race, while stable companion Delphina is due to contest a 15-furlong turf handicap worth $2.5 million at 2.10pm.

Irish firm seals Saudi partnership

GAIN Equine Nutrition is an official sponsor at the Saudi Cup. Joanne Hurley, the firm’s equine nutrition advisor and sales manager said: “We have been exporting our range of equine nutrition products to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a number of years and this partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to highlight our commitment to the Middle Eastern equine industry.”

Tom Ryan, on behalf of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said: “The addition of Gain Equine Nutrition as an official sponsor for the Saudi Cup event is a real boost to the project. They are an international brand producing premium standard products; they are a perfect fit for this world class event.”