Bob Baffert was trackside at King Abdulaziz Racecourse early Tuesday as his two Saudi Cup runners completed their final meaningful workouts ahead of Saturday’s $20 million showdown.

Nysos was the first out during the 7am session, backing up to the finish before stretching out smoothly under regular exercise rider Beto Gomez. The lightly raced son of Nyquist steadily increased his tempo around the turn and down the straight, moving comfortably throughout the breeze.

Gomez then switched mounts to work Nevada Beach, the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes winner who finished a narrow second to Nysos when the stablemates last met in the Grade 2 Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes at Santa Anita on December 28.

Baffert was satisfied with what he saw from both horses, describing the moves as little more than leg-stretchers designed to keep them ticking over ahead of race day.

“I was happy the way they went over the track,” Baffert said. “Just a little leg-stretcher. Looking forward to Saturday. Nevada Beach, if he runs well, will head to the Dubai World Cup.”

Image JCSA