Imagination may join stablemates in Middle East for Riyadh Dirt Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. – Nysos and Nevada Beach, first and second in the Grade 2 Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes at Santa Anita on Dec. 28, were confirmed as candidates for the $20 million Saudi Cup in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 14 by trainer Bob Baffert on Thursday.

The Hall of Fame trainer may have a deeper team in that country’s leading day of racing. Baffert said Imagination, second in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 1, is under consideration for the Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, a $2 million race at six furlongs on the same day.

“He may go, too,” Baffert said.

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Imagination, a 5-year-old horse by Into Mischief, has won 3 of 14 starts and earned $943,700. Prior to the recent BC Sprint, Imagination won the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship at six furlongs in late September, in his first start since January.

Imagination was entered in the Grade 2 Joe Hernandez Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita on Dec. 29, but was withdrawn. He worked five furlongs in a quick 59.80 seconds the following day.

Nysos and Nevada Beach were separated by a head in the Pincay Stakes at 1 1 1/16 miles. Nysos won the BC Dirt Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 1 in his preceding start. Nevada Beach won the Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Del Mar on Nov. 23.

The Saudi Cup is run at about 1 1/8 miles.

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