In a surprising turn of events, two prominent racehorses, Locked and Soul of an Angel, have decided not to participate in the prestigious Grade 1, $20 million Saudi Cup scheduled for February 22nd in Riyadh. This decision comes after careful consideration by their trainers and ownership teams. Trainer Todd Pletcher, who had been preparing Locked for the event, cited travel risks as the primary reason for skipping the race. Meanwhile, Soul of an Angel's connections also opted out, planning a different path forward for the champion female sprinter of 2024.

Detailed Coverage of the Horses' Future Plans

In the heart of winter, the equestrian world was abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Saudi Cup. However, in a twist that has left many fans and analysts intrigued, two notable horses have chosen alternative routes. Locked, who recently placed second in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup, will not make the long journey to Riyadh. According to a report from Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form, the horse’s ownership felt that traveling such a vast distance posed too much risk. Instead, they plan to focus on the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) set for March 1st. The horse resumed training this Friday, marking its first workout since the Pegasus.

Similarly, Soul of an Angel, the reigning champion female sprinter of 2024, will also bypass the Saudi Cup. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., despite describing her as "ready to run," decided to take a cautious approach. The team plans to switch her routine back to galloping before gradually ramping up her training for a return in the Grade 1 Madison on April 5th. It was reported that she was deep on the reserve list for the Saudi Cup when the decision was made on Sunday.

From a journalist's perspective, these decisions highlight the delicate balance between competitive ambition and the well-being of the animals. While the allure of the Saudi Cup is undeniable, the prioritization of the horses' health and optimal performance conditions speaks volumes about the evolving standards in professional horse racing. This shift towards more strategic planning may influence future decisions in the sport, emphasizing a thoughtful approach to the rigorous demands of top-tier competitions.