Ron the Greek Returns in Riyadh

Ron the Greek (Full Mandate) has drawn post 15 in a field of 17 as he attempts to defend his title in Saturday's Crown Prince Cup over 2400 meters at the Al Janadriah Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Now nine years of age, Ron the Greek, who campaigns now under the name Wattani, won the GI Santa Anita H. and GI Stephen Foster H. in 2012 and added a 21-1 upset of the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2013 before being sold to Saudi Arabia. He has made eight appearances for a record of 5-1-1 for King Abdullah bin Abduzaziz Sons and trainer Nicholas Bachalard, former assistant to Christophe Clement. Among his victories are a 3 3/4-length success in the 2015 Crown Prince Cup followed by a seven-length tally in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (King's Cup) last Feb. 14, the most prestigious race for imported horses in the country, which was postponed in 2015 by the death of King Abdullah. The Florida-bred has one start since, a running-on second to stablemate Mofrah (Smart Strike) over 1800 meters Dec. 5 (video, saddle towel 1, green cap). Jose Lezcano, who rode Ron the Greek to each of his big-race wins in the U.S., flies in to take the reins Saturday in what will serve as a prep for this year's King's Cup.

Among those to oppose the towering Ron the Greek is recent import Bailoutbobby (Mizzen Mast), who annexed the GII Las Vegas Marathon S. by 5 3/4 lengths for trainer Doug O'Neill at Keeneland Oct. 30. The 6-year-old gelding, who drew gate seven, is now owned by Prince Faisal and is the mount of Olivier Peslier.

Also in the field is the same owner's Smoking Sun (Smart Strike, gate five), winner of the 2014 G2 Prix d'Harcourt and runner-up in the G1 SAI Cup for the Niarchos Family. Alan Garcia also rides the Crown Prince Cup aboard Prince Faisal's Teletext (Empire Maker). Post time for the Crown Prince Cup is 10:35 a.m. ET.