Aug 22 Saudi Arabia (Taif) form analysis

Race 1 (,1200m)

(6) ASEEL ALMOGHTARAH is an unraced Teletext filly out of a local-bred mare who has four wins to her name. She represents leading connections and could make a winning start.

(3) SSALEEL ALSOYOOF is an unraced Destin colt out of a once-raced mare. Connections do well with juveniles and he will not need to be well above average to play a part.

(7) FALAKIYAH showcased early speed before faltering late to eighth place from 14 over 1,400m on debut at this track two weeks ago. Will look to make a bold bid from the start.

(5) ZWEHAN was outpaced from the outset after breaking slowly in a 1,400m maiden also two weeks ago. Champion jockey takes over in the saddle.

Race 2 (1,400m)

(7) HAY HALA put up and encouraging performance when third of 18 in a 1,200m maiden here in July. Open to further improvement for leading connections and looks the horse to beat.

(8) IBN ALATHEER is a well-bred colt who ran creditably in two outings last season. Lacks a finishing burst but not without claims on his return to action.

(5) HAJSS built on an underwhelming debut when sixth over this course and distance two weeks ago. Place claims if taking another step forward.

(10) MGHLAB led until halfway on his debut in a 1,600m conditions race three weeks ago. Faded tamely once put under pressure but now that he is dropping in trip, it could help.

Race 3 (1,600m)

(2) AL AAS ran an encouraging second on debut over 1,400m earlier in August. Badly bumped at the start that day and could gain compensation on this track under the leading rider.

(8) BONO is an unraced Mucho Gusto colt out of a 90-rated mare who won 12 races. Attractive pedigree and should not be discounted.

(6) ALQASSTTELI made late headway to finish a commendable third of 15 on debut over 1,400m, one place behind Al Aas. Contender with minor improvement.

(9) DEGHEMAN is a speedy colt who ran respectably on debut over 1,400m earlier in August. Blinkers fitted and open to improvement.

Race 4 (1,600m)

(2) ALAHAM is a two-time winner, both over 2,000m, and shaped nicely over that distance earlier in August. Clearly possesses the talent to win but may find the mile too sharp.

(7) PATH OF THUNDER is a mile specialist whose best form gives him huge winning claims. Only 12th of 16 on his seasonal reappearance earlier in August but now drops into handicap company.

(3) BRQ is a classy type who struggles to get his head in front. Already making his third start of the season and drops into handicap company for the first time since November.

(8) ALMOSALHEMAH is a lightly raced filly with three wins from 12 starts. Impressed in her course-and-distance victory earlier in August but finished only eighth here last week in an Open.

Race 5 (1,600m)

(3) SAADEN is a classy colt who finished seventh of 15 in Group 2 company in January. Two-time winner over this trip and looks sure to play a major role if fit after a break.

(9) MONKEY ISLAND is a talented gelding who chased home Transferred on local debut at Riyadh in January. Shaped with promise on seasonal reappearance earlier in August and not without place claims.

(1) TRANSFERRED is a four-time winner from eight outings, but all of his victories have come over sprinting trips. Only eighth over course and distance last week and needs to prove his stamina.

(5) ALZUHAAL was a runner-up in a 0-80 handicap here earlier in August. Not without place claims on that evidence and strong over this trip.

Race 6 (1,600m)

(6) KHATEER ALKHALEDIAH is a prolific veteran with 11 wins from 36 starts. Disappointing over 1,400m here earlier in August but more than capable if he strips fitter.

(16) MUBARIZAT ALKHALEDIAH is an extremely talented mare who has not finished out of the top three in eight career starts. Won her last three but has not been seen since March 2024.

(3) ANOUAR is a French import who won a 1,900m turf contest in August 2022. Winless since but shaped fairly earlier in August when one place ahead of Angad Al Khalediah.

(4) GOOD DES VIALETTES is winless since January 2022 and clearly regressive. Plugged on well from off the pace to finish sixth in a similar race over course and distance earlier in August.

Race 7 (1,600m)

(2) LADVERSAIRE HIPOLYTE is a course-and-distance maiden winner here last September. Fair efforts on both appearances this season and now drops in grade. Major player.

(1) GHAZAL AL KHAIR is a dual course winner over 1,400m last season. Outclassed in two Open races this season and now drops into handicap company. Top hope.

(7) MUNA is consistent in defeat since joining her local stable from France. Solid third over course and distance earlier this month and holds place claims again.

(4) HASHEM is a versatile veteran who is better suited by longer distances these days. 7lb higher than when last successful.

Race 8 (2,000m)

(5) ARRIYADH ROAD is a regally bred colt who finished a gallant second over this trip at Riyadh in March. Returns to the track in a very winnable spot and will be hard to beat.

(12) REZQ ALAH is a runner-up over this distance in a 0-80 handicap at Riyadh in January. Leading contender but may find an unexposed rival too strong.

(3) AL QAID stayed on well from the rear to finish fourth over 1,400m here earlier in August. Appreciated the switch to Taif from Riyadh and now gets a greater test of stamina.

(6) BARI ALQOOS was highly tried on his first two outings and now drops into maiden company for the first time. Unknown quantity but not bred to stay.

Race 9 (2,400m)

(2) JACK RED CLOUD is a talented performer who landed a course-and-distance Cup contest here last September. Might strip fitter after this seasonal reappearance but possesses the required class to win.

(11) CAUSEWAY has a strong US pedigree and is unbeaten over the distance courtesy of a victory in Riyadh in December. Not without claims after solid comeback effort.

(3) MOTAFARED is a five-time winner who finished third behind Jack Red Cloud in the Ash Shafa Cup over course and distance last season. Place claims.

(1) ALFAKHER is a two-time course winner who boasts good tactical speed. Stays this trip but lacks the quality of some of the market protagonists.

Race 10 (1,600m)

(13) UNCLE is a consistent and classy miler who finished second behind Henry Q on his seasonal reappearance earlier in August. Can reverse the form from a good draw.

(2) ALMAAN is a strong stayer who regularly places but finds winning difficult. Needs to improve after a quiet reappearance over 2,000m a fortnight ago.

(6) HENRY Q is a US import who has won two of his four starts locally. Impressed on his seasonal return here earlier in August and looks a threat to all.

(14) WAQTUK is an unexposed colt who should improve this season. Fourth behind Henry Q three weeks ago, so has to reverse that form, but the champion jockey is booked.

Comments courtesy of Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia