Charlatan Likely to Make Next Start in Saudi Cup
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Mike Smith guides Charlatan into the winner's circle after the Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Runhappy Malibu Stakes (G1) winner Charlatan will likely make his next start in the $20 million Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh Feb. 20, trainer Bob Baffert told Santa Anita Park media Jan. 10.
Charaltan returned in the Malibu at Santa Anita Dec. 26 after nearly eight months away and won the seven-furlong event by 4 1/2 lengths. He had his first work back Jan. 9, breezing four furlongs in :49 4/5.
"That's the plan right now," Baffert said of the Saudi Cup. "I've got another week to make up my mind, but he'd be coming back a little quick for the other race (the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, G1, Jan. 23 at Gulfstream Park) off a long layoff, and he ran so hard (in the Malibu), I worry about that."
Baffert won the 2020 Pegasus World Cup with Mucho Gusto, who went on to finish fourth in the inaugural Saudi Cup last year.
The Saudi Cup would stretch Charlatan back out to 1 1/8 miles. The 4-year-old Speightstown colt crossed the wire six lengths in front at that distance in the Arkansas Derby (G1) May 2 at Oaklawn Park, but was disqualified from that victory after a medication violation.
"The thing I like about the Saudi race is it's a one-turn mile-and-an-eighth and Charlatan is so fast," Baffert said. "It's a challenge, but it's $20 million."