American trainer Kenny McPeek has expressed confidence in his G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) contender, Rattle N Roll, ahead of the prestigious US$20 million (approx. HK$155.69 million) race at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia on Saturday (22 February).

Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday (20 February), McPeek highlighted the global nature of horse racing and the importance of international competition. He also praised Rattle N Roll, the only US-trained horse in the race, calling him a "special horse."

"Events like this showcase why the thoroughbred is so unique—it connects the entire world. Whether you're an American, English, Irish, Japanese, or Australian trainer, we all share a common bond through these magnificent animals. I've been fortunate to travel the world because of thoroughbred racing, and I feel incredibly blessed," McPeek said.

McPeek, 62, is known for his successes with unfashionably bred horses and his role as a bloodstock agent in purchasing champions like Curlin. Last year, he accomplished the rare feat of winning both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks with Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna.

Rattle N Roll, a six-year-old Group 1 winner, made his Saudi Arabian debut in the G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (1800m, dirt) on 25 January, securing his spot in the Saudi Cup with an electrifying finish under jockey Joel Rosario.

"Thursday morning (20 February) was probably the best I’ve seen him gallop—maybe in his career. He’s an intelligent horse with a natural sense of timing, and you can't train that into a horse. He just knows when to finish. He's truly special."

"He arrived here nearly two months ago, so he has had plenty of time to acclimate. He’s thrived, and we’re very pleased with how the entire process has gone," McPeek added.

Rattle N Roll will face stiff competition from Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior—who is racing on dirt for the first time—as well as Forever Young, Facteur Cheval, Walk Of Stars, Ushba Tesoro, El Kodigo, Ramjet, Al Musmak, Defunded, Intense For Me, Wilson Tesoro, Wait To Excel, and Wootton’sun.

"I’ve looked at the competition a little, but I don’t focus much on analyzing other people’s horses. Romantic Warrior is a unique talent, and it’ll be interesting to see how he transitions from turf to dirt," McPeek said.

Romantic Warrior, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year, will be seeking his 11th Group 1 victory this weekend.

Rattle N Roll’s 2024 campaign began with a victory in the G2 Clark Stakes (1800m, dirt) at Churchill Downs before being leased to Saudi Arabian businessman Sharaf Al Hariri in partnership with US owner Mike Mackin (Lucky Seven Stable).

"It’s an incredible event to be a part of, and I’m grateful to Mike Mackin for trusting me with his horses in the U.S. This horse has rewarded our patience, especially after a break due to bone bruising," McPeek said.

Rosario, a seasoned jockey with 13 Breeders’ Cup wins and victories in the 2013 Kentucky Derby (Orb), as well as the 2014 and 2019 Belmont Stakes (Tonalist, Sir Winston), will guide Rattle N Roll from barrier seven.

"Joel is a fantastic rider. I don’t need to give him instructions—it’s like handing a paintbrush to Picasso or Rembrandt. He knows what to do," McPeek concluded.

 Image Hkjc