Billy Batts to try dirt in Saudi Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – Billy Batts has made his mark on turf in his young career, finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last November and winning the Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita on Friday in his 3-year-old debut.

For his next start, Billy Batts will race on dirt on the other side of the world. Trainer Peter Miller confirmed on Sunday that Billy Batts will be sent to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the $800,000 Saudi Derby at a mile on Feb. 29.

“He’s trained well on it,” Miller said. “We’ve got 800,000 reasons to try it.”

Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Billy Batts won the Baffle Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs, closing from fourth in a field of six to finish 1 1/2 lengths in front of Rager. Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Billy Batts has won 2 of 8 starts and earned $302,560.