Country Grammer Middle East-Bound for Saudi Cup

Country Grammer  will begin his 6-year-old year with another voyage to the Middle East where he is set to mirror his 2022 schedule with a start in the Feb. 25 Saudi Cup (G1) and then over to the March 25 Dubai World Cup (G1) directly afterwards.

The Tonalist   horse, who worked seven furlongs in 1:25 3/4 over the Santa Anita Park main track Feb. 5 for trainer Bob Baffert, will ship out from California around Feb. 14 according to Chase Chamberlin of Commonwealth Thoroughbreds, who own the horse in partnership with WinStar Farm and Zedan Racing Stables.

"We're thrilled with the way that he's training. I'd argue that he's better than ever. He's really come into his 6-year-old year beautifully," Chamberlin said. "I believe he's leaving on the 14th, might give or take a few days there."

Chamberlin says that the horse travelled exceptionally well last year before a runner-up finish in the 2022 Saudi Cup behind longshot Emblem Road, and that they are looking forward to another chance at success.

"He's amazing. He's such a pro," Chamberlin said. "Last year I think it was a 33-hour trip from Santa Anita to Riyadh and he gained a couple pounds on the trip. He stepped off the van, dragged them to his stall, cleaned up all of his feed.

"He's absolutely unflappable in that way which is a big part of why this Middle East tour is so attractive for him not only talent-wise but also, he can handle the trip. I think there's a lot of nice horses that could go but would struggle to make the journey. It's tough on them."

Presuming all goes well in the Saudi Cup, the plan is to ship the horse out to Meydan Racecourse to begin preparations for the Dubai World Cup, a race which he won during his trip overseas last year under a lively ride from Frankie Dettori.

Dettori, who reunited with Country Grammer in his last start when they strode home to a victory in the 2022 San Antonio Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, will keep the ride for both Middle Eastern races.

"Frankie fits him perfectly. ... He's patient, he knows when to wait, when to ask. Country Grammer is a grinder but he's not a horse that's going to go out and flash brilliant speed," Chamberlin said. "He's certainly not slow, he can carry plenty of pace, but a rider that's patient with him and waits for the move especially down that long stretch is best suited to him. Frankie's done an amazing job with him; he understands the horse. And of course, Frankie's record speaks for itself."

As for the rest of the horse's 2023 season, Chamberlin says the team is grateful for the current opportunity and wants to soak up the excitement of the next two races ahead. He added that they will let the horse tell them what he wants to do before setting anything into stone.

And with a record of 5-5-1 from 14 starts, four victories in graded stakes company, and $11,227,320 in earnings, it is hard to want much more. 

"We're so proud of him. He's been the model of consistency; he's never been worse than second since the Californian (Stakes, grade 2) when Bob took him over," Chamberlin said. "It's been a pretty remarkable ride since then. ... He has got to be the hardiest horse that I know. He has such a big heart; he tries every time and I know our entire team is so honored to be involved with him.

"He is the coolest horse. I love Country Grammer. He's got hundreds of shareholders through Commonwealth. Most of them have never been involved in racing before. He's spoiled a lot of people, he's made a lot of dreams come true, and he really is a horse that's easy to love."