Channel Maker Looks the Part for Saudi Neom Turf Cup

Eclipse Award champion Channel Maker faces a tough international field in the $1 million Neom Turf Cup Feb. 20 at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Saudi Arabia even though a significant element of the opposition vanished before the draw.

None of the three Godolphin runners earlier listed as "expected" actually was entered for the 2,100-meter (about 1 5/16 mile) supporting stakes on the $20 million Saudi Cup undercard, which spared Channel Maker, a 7-year-old English Channel  gelding trained by Bill Mott, a face-off with the likes of Military March, Dream Castle, and Loxley.

All three Godolphin runners have significant back class but all have under-performed in Dubai and Bahrain early this season and are likely to try to work their way back during the World Cup Carnival in Godolphin's back yard.

With 12 left to contest the Neom Turf Cup, Channel Maker drew gate 3 with Joel Rosario named to ride. The Ontario-bred has been training in Saudi Arabia under the care of Mott assistant Neil Poznansky, who has issued positive reports.

Channel Maker breezed 600 meters Feb. 16 and Poznansky, who was working stablemate Tacitus at the same time, said he was "really impressed" with Channel Maker's effort. He reported a day later, "He came out super. He will train on the main track tomorrow (Feb. 18)."

The Neom Turf Cup will be Channel Maker's first start since he finished third in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Keeneland Nov. 7. He earned the Eclipse Award as 2020's champion male turf horse with victories before the Breeders' Cup in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1T) at Belmont Park and the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course.

Despite the absence of Godolphin's horses, the Neom Turf Cup has plenty of international interest. Ryan Moore is booked to partner Tilsitfor Juddmonte Farms and trainer Charlie Hills. Last year's Royal Ascot sensation Hollie Doyle is named on True Self, trained by Willie Mullins.

Tilsit, a 4-year-old colt by First Defence, won two of four starts in 2020, finishing with a fourth-place finish behind Kameko in the Shadwell Joel Stakes (G2) at Newmarket Sept. 25. He has not raced since.

Tilsit cantered on the dirt three days out from the Neom Cup and rider Henry Morshead reported it was a novel experience.

"It was the first time he had been on the dirt but he moved well," Morshead said. "He was having a good look as there were more horses around, but I was very happy with him. He might just quicken up a bit tomorrow in the straight on the grass."

Gronkowski, now representing Saudi interests, remains a familiar name to U.S. racing fans. The Lonhrohorse finished second behind Justify  in the 2018 Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1). He finished second in the 2019 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) and 10th in last year's Saudi Cup.

Gronkowski will be on grass for the first time since his 2-year-old campaign.

For the Top was a group 1 winner in Argentina and third in the 2020 Neom Turf. He was among the many who failed to fire in the Singspiel Stakes Sponsored by Riviera by Azizi Jan. 21 in Dubai, finishing seventh. Dream Castle was third in that event and Military March reported eighth as the favorite in the international wagering markets.

Trainer Salem bin Ghadayer said For the Top needed the Singspiel.

"I think everything will go well for him," bin Ghadayer said. "He galloped the other day very well, and his homework has been very good. He's much fitter now, and I think he will run much better than last time. I have been very happy with how he is at the moment. I think he will run even better than last year."

True Self, an 8-year-old Oscar mare, enters the Neom Turf Cup having won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G3) at Flemington in Australia in each of the past two years but has been less effective in top-level efforts there and in Hong Kong.