On Saturday, February 25, the richest horse race in the world happens: the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1)! The race covers 1,800 meters (about 1 ⅛ miles) on the dirt at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh. It always draws a group of the best dirt runners in the world, and even some classy turf horses using this as a rich opportunity to try a new footing. It is always an excellent betting horse race!
One of the newest traditions in horse racing, this race has been run since 2020, and it got international Group 1 designation in 2022. Though American horses Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou crossed the wire 1-2 in 2020, the winners have been more international afterwards, with British-based Mishriff winning in 2021 and Saudi local Emblem Road springing a massive upset in 2022.
Who will add their name to this list? Keep reading to find out and to see where to get real Las Vegas odds on the Saudi Cup!
Before you start handicapping the race, you must know the best place to bet. Fortunately, you no longer need to go to Vegas or a local casino to get the best odds. Leading online sportsbooks put Vegas in the palm of your hand, meaning you can get market-leading odds wherever you have an internet connection.
Though there are many options for places to bet online, our betting experts are here to help. They have created a guide to online sportsbooks to help you know your options quickly and easily. Our recommended sportsbooks have the basics of a great experience, from real Vegas odds to trusted money management.
Our experts also explain the lucrative betting bonuses that each site offers. Sign-up and deposit bonuses, referral benefits, and horse racing rebates can boost your bankroll by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Given your betting style, let our experts help you determine which will reap the most rewards!
These are the best places for Las Vegas betting online:
This is the official field for the 2023 Saudi Cup in wagering number order, with trainers, jockeys, and post draws.
Keep in mind that the betting numbers and post positions in Saudi Arabia differ; this is unlike in North America but common in the rest of the world.
The Saudi Cup is always an excellent betting race, given the class and depth of the field. Make sure to track the Vegas odds at our recommended online betting sites: that way, when you see an overlay on a strong Saudi Derby contender, you can get your money down and lock in real Vegas odds!
 |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Taiba | +185 | +185 | +185 |
| Country Grammer | +350 | +350 | +350 |
| Jun Light Bolt | +800 | +800 | +800 |
| Crown Pride | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Scotland Yard | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Emblem Road | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Cafe Pharoah | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
Now that you have your betting account, it is time for the fun part: picking a winner in the 2023 Saudi Cup. Read on to find out about the top contenders!
The leading win contenders in the market for the Saudi Cup are Country Grammer and Taiba, both from the Bob Baffert barn. Country Grammer is the most likely winner. He proved last year that he handles the King Abdulaziz course well. His midpack style plays well over the cushioned footing, and he should get plenty of speed to run at.
Some of that speed will come from his stablemate Taiba, though Taiba will not have an easy time, especially since he will have to compete with Crown Pride up front. He has class, but he has limited experience against older horses, and he has yet to ship internationally. He is an underlay on top, though he could make it into the exotics.
The shortest price among a large Japanese contingent is Jun Light Bolt. He beat Crown Pride in the Champions Cup (G1), showing he has class in his home country. However, Japanese dirt form is hit-or-miss at large international race meetings, making him an underlay given the history of Japanese dirt horses abroad.
Last year Emblem Road upset the race at huge odds, though the price will be much shorter this time, and he does not have as much form coming in. The truly interesting Saudi is Lagertha Rhyme. She was second last out behind Sunset Flash but stretched out to a better distance this time and should be coming furiously in the race’s late stages.
Another interesting Saudi local is Scotland Yard. He began his career in America but has grown into himself in his new country, winning his last three. He could get a tactical trip and get the jump on the real closers, and his pedigree is an excellent American dirt pedigree for this distance: by Quality Road out of a Curlin half to Beholder.
The most intriguing of the Japanese contingent is Geoglyph. He is getting a career reboot here, going first time dirt. However, he has strong back class, and he has already proven the distance of the Saudi Cup fits his stamina. Being by Drefong with other dirt form underneath, it would be no surprise if he takes to this footing at a big price.
These are the best bets for the 2023 Saudi Cup!
