Saudi Crown rolled through the Keeneland stretch in his six-furlong maiden special weight debut on Sunday for a commanding 4 ¾-length victory.
The gray/roan 3-year-old by Always Dreaming covered the distance in a very snappy 1:10.01, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 97. That number is the highest in North America this year at six furlongs for a 3-year-old, male or female.
Saudi Crown was four-wide on the backstretch, a couple of lengths off the leaders. He launched a bid on the turn and neared the lead at the top of the stretch. When asked by his rider, he instantly pulled way in eye-catching style and was drawing off even as he crossed the finish line.
Trained by Brad Cox for FMQ Stables, Inc., the winner earned $58,125.
Saudi Crown was bred by CHC Inc. and sold for $240,000 after working a furlong in 10 seconds flat at the 2022 OBS Spring 2-year-olds sale. Saudi Crown is the second foal out of New Narration, and his second and third dams, New Normal and New Economy, are both graded stakes winners.
Always Dreaming, winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Florida Derby (G1), has his first 3-year-olds this year. His 2023 fee is $10,000 S&N.
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