California-based trainer Dan Blacker is set to saddle his first international runner, and he’s hoping to make it a winning debut as Straight No Chaser (USA) takes on the $2 million Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, presented by Saudi National Bank.

The six-year-old son of Speightster heads to Saudi Arabia on the back of an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (1200m) at Del Mar in November. Under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, he showed versatility and professionalism, a performance Blacker describes as “very special.”

A Dream Realized

“It was an emotional day,” Blacker, 42, reflected. “Winning a Breeders’ Cup race has always been a dream of mine, and to achieve it with such a talented horse was incredible. I feel very fortunate.”

Despite pre-race talk suggesting that Straight No Chaser needed to dictate from the front, Blacker never doubted the horse’s adaptability.

“There was a lot of discussion about him being a need-the-lead type, but I’ve never seen it that way,” he explained. “He’s naturally quick out of the gate but also professional enough to settle if necessary. Johnny believed he could sit off the pace, and the horse responded perfectly. Timing is one of Johnny’s strengths, and he executed it flawlessly.”

Preparations and Travel Confidence

Following his Breeders’ Cup triumph, Straight No Chaser was given a well-earned break but has returned in top condition.

“He’s been excellent—hasn’t missed a beat,” Blacker reported. “His morning work has been outstanding. He runs well fresh, so I’m not concerned about the gap between races. As long as he ships well and adjusts to Riyadh, I expect a big performance.”

The lengthy trip to King Abdulaziz Racecourse will be the gelding’s longest journey yet, but Blacker is confident in his temperament.

“He’s traveled to the East Coast twice and handled it well. This is further, but he’s a smart horse—high-energy on the track but composed when he needs to be. That professionalism should serve him well,” he noted.

Assistant trainer Juan Landeros, who rides the horse in daily training, will oversee him in Riyadh, with Blacker planning to join them for final preparations.

Blacker’s Global Racing Background

Born in the UK, Blacker’s career has spanned multiple racing jurisdictions. A graduate of the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program, he gained experience with Jeremy Noseda (UK), David Hayes (Australia), Godolphin (Dubai), and Richard Mandella (USA) before launching his own stable in 2011.

His first Grade 1 success came in 2021 when Hit The Road won the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita, followed by Straight No Chaser’s Breeders’ Cup triumph in 2023.

Tough Competition in Saudi Arabia

Blacker acknowledges the challenge ahead, praising the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for assembling a strong international lineup.

“There are a lot of horses we respect in this race,” he said. “Jimmy Jerkens’ runner, Ancestral Land, has performed well locally. We also got the better of Remake at Del Mar, but that was on our home track. Now we’re heading to unfamiliar territory, while he’s already proven on this surface.”

Despite the tough field, Blacker is eager for the opportunity.

Image Breeders’ Cup/Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire

“It’s a competitive race, but we’re excited for the challenge.”