Horse Racing Champion White Abarrio Faces Tough Challenge Before Appearing in the $20 Million Contest

Horse racing luminary White Abarrio has been dealing with medals and titles since his emergence in the race courses. The 5-year colt achieved his first success in topping the table in September 2021. Since then, with time, White Abbario’s speed has witnessed a steep increase with his medal fortune. In that earning, the 2023 Breeder’s Cup Classic made a special note. That dirt-fast surfaced race proclaimed Richard E. Dutrow Jr. – trained colt as the proverbial one on the same track. Now, the horse racing icon is eyeing a successful opening in 2024. 

But in the upcoming race in Riyadh, he may find uncharted competition from the equines of superior classes. However, that possibility could hint at strong competition. 

The horse racing classic with White Abarrio in a complicated position 

Since the last season, White Abarrio has taken the crown of being a favorite in the $20 million-prized Saudi Cup. Even the presence of Derma Sotogake in the same race couldn’t dismount the colt from that throne. However, as per Ed DeRosa, one equine might disrupt the day for White Abarrio in Riyadh with some culminating factors.

The Horse Racing Nation’s X-handle mentioned the news on February 24. The caption went online as “Fair odds for Saudi Cup. Ed DeRosa (@EJXD2) says White Abarrio from the U.S. is the most likely winner of Saturday’s $ million race. But he sees better value with a horse based in Japan.” The horse-racing raconteur batted for Lemon Pop to cause a chink in White Abarrio’s shiny armor. He also explained the logic in supporting his claim. 

The Kentucky-bred has a recent history of winning a race that comes with nine furlongs on the dirt. Incidentally, the Saudi Cup venue, King Abdulaziz Racecourse, in Riyadh holds the same nature as well.

However, White Abarrio frames a notoriety of bucking hard pitch as well. But, in a rare chance of a bet, Ed DeRosa could position his bet on the Japan-residing horse. However, except Lemon Pop, there will certainly be more spearheads who can own the horse racing day. 

The terror on the race course 

Apart from Lemon Pop and Derma Sotogake, another Japanese horse could inflict pebbles on White Abarrio’s route to earn the prize money. It is Ushba Tesoro, the champion of the 2023 Dubai World Cup. To extend the competition, National Treasure, the Pegasus World Cup champion, will be there on Saturday. But with National Treasure, his nemesis, Senor Buscador, landed in Riyadh to increase the challenge. However, Richard E. Dutrow Jr. wasn’t ready to bat an eye in the presence of such phenoms for the race day. 

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In an interview last Wednesday, he said, “I feel that if he’s [White Abarrio] on his game and runs his race, he’s going to be tough to beat.” Moreover, he is taming the colt for the upcoming Dubai World Cup as well. So, it will be pleasant to watch how White Abarrio starts his Middle-East endeavor on Saturday. 

Also read: Equestrian World’s Renowned Horse White Abarrio Eyes Victory in $6M Breeders’ Cup Classic