Saudi Cup: Maximum Security the standout entry ahead of world's richest horse race

With such a big purse on offer, a number of strong American horses have travelled to compete, with Maximum Security the headline act in the showpiece race.

However, the race is not a clear walkover, given the calibre of 13 other talented names lined up against the Jason Servis-trained horse.

Since the initial entries were announced last month, the field has grown and local talent such as Benbatl and Capezzano will be vying to topple the American dominance.

Five Americans, led by champions Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou, as well as Grade 1 winner McKinzie, bolster the field and should set the pace on Saturday.

On paper, Maximum Security looks like the horse to beat, a dominant front-running three-year-old with buckets of class.

He was disqualified for interference after winning the Kentucky Derby last May before following that up with a comprehensive Haskell (G1) victory in July.

In his last race at the Cigar Mile on December 7, Maximum Security powered past older horses to underline his status as the world’s best dirt star.

Preferring to set the pace, his rivals will need to be at their immaculate best to keep up with his authority and endurance.

McKinzie, who is the current second favourite, is consistency personified, with 13 first or second-place finishes in 14 starts.

In his most recent meeting, the Bob Baffert-trained horse ran second to Vino Rosso in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Cutting back from 1 1/4 mile distance to nine furlongs should be the perfect range to match his pace.

A fierce competitor who likes to get to the wire first, compatriot Midnight Bisou ran a solid second in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in November and will make her 2020 debut in Riyadh.

This race has been a long-time goal for trainer Steve Asmussen, and nine furlongs is the distance where she has a strong chance.

Multiple Grade 1 winner Midnight Bisou recorded seven wins in a row prior to her second in the Distaff and her speed could be a serious threat.

In fact, she has never run against males before so it will be unfamiliar territory on the biggest stage of her career to date.

An improving Mucho Gusto should also be in contention. The three-year-old will need to improve upon his career-best effort at the Pegasus World Cup if he is to overcome the commanding Maximum Security.

One horse not to forget is Tacitus, who has not finished outside fourth place since October 2018. With two wins from nine starts, the four-year-old is a beautiful horse with a bright future.

But while the American horses rightly capture the attention, the factors counting against them is the change in environment, different medication rules and the early season preparations.

Of the local horses with a geographical advantage, Godolphin’s Benbatl looks a marquee challenger, despite only making his dirt debut with victory in the Al Maktoum Challenge (G2) at Meydan on February 6.

A respected veteran on turf, the Caulfield Stakes winner and Cox Plate runner-up has netted two wins from two this year and purrs with confidence.

It’s a horse not to ignore and one that could threaten the American superiority.

Dubai World Cup runner-up Gronkowski is slowly starting to rediscover his 2019 form, running a flat-looking third in both The Entisar and Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 in recent months.

Another Salem bin Ghadayer-trained horse to watch is Capezzano, who stormed to a facile seven-length win ahead of Secret Ambition at Meydan on February 13, to make it six wins from 16 starts.

North American, a favourite for the Dubai World Cup last year, adds pace and ambition, and trainer Satish Seemar will have the eight-year-old in fine fettle for the world’s largest purse.

While there is merit to these victories, it is important to note that some of these events are filled with weaker competition or horses building up fitness again after significant lay-offs.

With a high-quality field setting the pace early on, it could be a stressful test for those who aren’t at their conditioned best.

Of the local horses, Mijack has won five races in a row, but will be tested against top international competition.

Chrysoberyl, Great Scot, Gold Dream and Magic Wand are other speed balls that make up the 14-strong field, however Maximum Security should have enough to sparkle under the bright lights of the Saudi capital.