Kenny McPeek has opted for local know-how over transatlantic familiarity as he plots a Saudi Derby assault with Very Connected (USA), booking multiple Saudi Arabian champion jockey Adel Alfouraidi for the Group 3 contest presented by ZOOD Realty at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday, February 14.

The Kentucky Derby-winning trainer said the decision came after weighing up limited US-based options against the value of experience around Riyadh’s unique track configuration.

“I offered the ride to Joel Rosario but he already had a ride, so I offered it to (Jose) Ortiz but his Saudi Cup mount scratched and he isn’t going now so I didn’t know who to use and was fiddling around looking at options,” explained McPeek, who recently featured on the Netflix horseracing series Race For The Crown.

“I didn’t know if it was best to use a rider who knows the track and the conformation there, or use a rider who knows the horse, and I decided to find a local rider,” he added.

That search led him to Alfouraidi, a multiple champion jockey in Saudi Arabia and a rider McPeek believes offers both talent and logistical certainty.

“Adel is the leading rider there and has been champion jockey. He’s a young gun, has talent, knows the place and has got two weeks to get to know the horse too.

“I have told him to get familiarised with Very Connected. He can go and see him any time and my staff will look after him and he will ride work on him, then he can go and do his thing in the race itself.

“I wasn’t sure which jockeys would be coming from the US and this way I don’t have a worry about a jockey getting off a long flight and travelling internationally.”

Very Connected, a son of Connect (USA), arrives in Saudi Arabia with modest form on paper. His lone victory from six starts came in a maiden at Churchill Downs, and he was last seen finishing fifth in the Listed Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds in December.

McPeek is realistic about the colt’s prospects but sees a scenario where he can be competitive.

“He is an outside chance. He needs early pace and he should get it. The longer stretch will suit him and if he gets pace in the first part of the race he will be running on late.”

The Saudi Derby carries added significance as a Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier, with 30 points awarded to the winner.

McPeek will also return to the Saudi Cup with Rattle N Roll (USA), another son of Connect, as he looks to build on last year’s respectable fifth behind Forever Young (JPN). Part-owned by Saudi businessman Sharaf AlHariri, Rattle N Roll earned his invitation by winning the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup before lining up in the world’s richest race.

This season, his preparation has been adjusted. He heads to Riyadh off a nine-week break following victory in the Listed Tinsel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on December 12, 2025.

“I think he will run much better and behind Forever Young it is a wide-open race,” said McPeek.

“If Forever Young doesn’t run his best then it won’t be a surprise to see him run really well as I have never had him better and I am excited.

“His races are spaced out better this year, he’s a hard knocker and he holds his form well.”

McPeek may not be on course to see it unfold in person. Recent neck and back surgery has cast doubt over his travel plans, despite fond memories of last year’s visit.

“I really enjoyed my visit last year but I don’t think I can make it this time. The people were so kind and generous and it was a great experience.”

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