'He's the star of the show here' - Scandinavian sensation set for Saudi trip

Three-time Stockholm Cup winner Square De Luynes is set for a first foray outside Scandinavia, with his trainer Niels Petersen revealing the Saudi Cup meeting on February 26 to be the destination for one of his stable star's first international ventures.

Having won eight of his 12 starts, it will be interesting to see how the seven-year-old fares in the Group 3 Neom Turf Cup worth $1.5 million. The Saudi Cup has been a long-term target for Square De Luynes who may have appeared at last year's meeting had it not been for a harsh Norwegian winter which scuppered preparation.

Petersen, explaining the motive behind making the journey, said: "I think the track in Saudi will suit him – left-handed, two bends, it should be spot on – and the 2,100m distance should be ideal.

"Looking at last year's Neom Turf Cup, he should be good enough and he's so well in himself. He's the best horse in Scandinavia – by the figures, by his performances, by everything. He's the star of the show here – he's such a popular horse."

Petersen, whose string of intended runners have been in the UAE for several weeks already with prep runs at Meydan planned, added: "We couldn't go to Saudi last year. There was no point as it was a hard winter here and the horses lost too much of their condition. You don't take chances with these horses – you need to do it right."

Pat Cosgrave: set to maintain his partnership with Square De LuynesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Although Square De Luynes is safely working away in Dubai, his intended jockey Pat Cosgrave will join the party closer to race day next month with Peterson delighted to maintain the partnership of the multiple Group 1-winning rider with his stable star.

Peterson said of Cosgrave, who has been aboard the gelding for his last four starts including two of those Stockholm Cup successes: "Pat knows him now and that's why we fly him out to ride him all the time. We don't want to be changing jockeys. You need to know him a little bit. When we're racing in Scandinavia we're in our backyard and we know what we're doing. It's different to go abroad with him.

"Pat has got great belief in Square De Luynes. He says he is a proper Group 2 horse and maybe even a bit more. He's confident he's a horse that will take us worldwide, but he does need to prove it.

"We've had good horses before but to measure up on the international stage is a little bit different. I do think this fella is the guy that can take us there."

Read more:

'All roads lead there' – Mishriff back on the Saudi Cup trail

Charlie Johnston eyeing Middle East targets after Wolverhampton breakthrough

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