Premium Tap Wins in Saudi Arabia

Premium Tap, who was sold recently to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, captured the group I Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup at Riyadh Friday under regular jockey Kent Desormeaux.

Trained by John Kimmel, the son of Pleasant Tap scored by 2 3/4 lengths in the 1 1/2-mile event, defeating 15 opponents, in what will serve as his prep for the $6-million Dubai World Cup March 31.

Racing under the name Allam, Premium Tap covered the 12 furlongs in 2:28.08. It was the colt’s first start since winning the Clark Handicap (gr. I) for previous owners George Kline, Peter Alevizos, and David Whelihan

Obay, a 6-year-old by Kingmambo finished second, a half-length ahead of Forty Licks, Horse of the Year in Argentina,

“Premium Tap definitively will be considered for the race in Dubai because after what he has shown in the Clark Handicap and now in the King’s Cup over a mile and a half,” said Jean-Pierre de Gasté, the bloodstock agent who brokered the deal along with Tony Cobitz.

Premium Tap was delayed in New York for two days last weekend, arriving in Saudi Arabia on Monday. Kimmel just jogged and galloped the colt up to the race, making his victory all the more impressive, especially considering he was coming off a nearly three-month layoff.

Premium Tap will face Horse of the Year Invasor and Discreet Cat in the Dubai World Cup.