Lazzat lined up for Dubai World Cup night after narrow Saudi defeat
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 17 Feb 2026
Lazzat will get the chance to pick up Middle East compensation on Dubai World Cup night after the Royal Ascot winner went close on his reappearance in Saudi Arabia.
Jerome Reynier’s sprinting star had to overcome a tricky draw out wide in the 1351 Turf Sprint, but found just America’s Reef Runner too good as he went down by a neck in the Group Two contest, run over the unique six furlongs and 166 yards distance.
The five-year-old is now set to stay in the region and prepare for a shot at the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on March 28.
Richard Brown, racing adviser to owners Wathnan Racing, said: “I think he ran a tremendous race considering he had been off for four months since running on Champions Day and he had a good blow afterwards.
“I think the draw made it difficult and I think there was more pace on the inside than we were expecting, which meant he couldn’t get out and across and on the lead and ended up out wide. We don’t like making excuses, but it was difficult from out there.
“I think he is probably better on a straight track and obviously we were disappointed not to win, but at the same time delighted he ran such a great race and he was battling back at the end.
“The plan is to go to the Al Quoz. He will go straight there and hopefully run another good race at Meydan next month.”
After Lazzat’s Arabian spring, attentions will turn to the European summer and setting up a repeat in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes after capping a fine week for his Qatar-based ownership team with a brilliant win at the summer showpiece meeting in Berkshire.
Brown added: “After Dubai his main target will be to go back to Royal Ascot to retain his crown.
“He probably hasn’t had the rub of the green since winning at Ascot last summer, but we’ve still got a huge amount of faith in him.
“Jerome thinks he is as good as he’s been and there is no reason after that run for us to think otherwise.”
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