On Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Rattle N Roll delivered an outstanding performance by winning the Group 3 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. This victory not only marked his return after a long hiatus but also secured him an automatic entry into the prestigious $20 million Saudi Cup on February 22. Trained by Kenny McPeek, Rattle N Roll showcased exceptional speed and endurance over a distance of 1 1/8 miles, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting next chapter in his career.

Triumphant Return After a Year-Long Layoff

Rattle N Roll's journey back to competitive racing has been nothing short of remarkable. Following a year-long recovery from hoof bruising, he made a successful comeback with a win in the Clark (G2) on November 29. Building on this momentum, his recent victory demonstrated even greater prowess as he stretched out to the same distance as the Saudi Cup. Under jockey Joel Rosario, Rattle N Roll maintained a strategic position throughout the race, making his move through the far turn and overtaking the leader in the final stretch.

The horse’s impressive performance was highlighted by his ability to settle comfortably behind the fast pace set by E J Won the Cup. As the race progressed, Rosario allowed Rattle N Roll to find his rhythm, positioning him perfectly for a strong finish. With a commanding lead of 4 3/4 lengths, Rattle N Roll crossed the finish line in a time of 1:52.95 on fast dirt. Rosario praised the horse's versatility, noting that the race unfolded exactly as planned, allowing Rattle N Roll to showcase his full potential. This win adds another significant milestone to his already illustrious career, extending his record to 24 starts with 10 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, and earnings totaling $2,341,591.

A Bright Future Awaits in Saudi Arabia

Rattle N Roll's triumph in the local prep race sets the stage for his anticipated appearance in the Saudi Cup. Owned primarily by Lucky Seven Stable and leased by Saudi businessman Sharaf al Hariri for his Middle Eastern campaign, Rattle N Roll has consistently proven himself as a top competitor. His consistent success in graded or group-stakes races every year since age two underscores his reliability and talent. The upcoming Saudi Cup will undoubtedly be a crucial test, but based on his recent form, expectations are high.

In addition to Rattle N Roll's achievements, jockey Joel Rosario enjoyed a successful day at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, securing two victories. Earlier in the day, Rosario won the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Qualifier aboard Ancestral Land, trained by Jimmy Jerkens and owned by Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz. Jerkens, who has been based in Saudi Arabia since spring 2023, plans to return to New York upon the expiration of his contract. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of international racing and the opportunities it presents for both horses and trainers.