Raymond Tusk in Saudi doubt

Tim Palin, director of racing for owners Middleham Park Racing, says Raymond Tusk may not head to Saudi Arabia next month.

Raymond Tusk produced a brilliant performance to win the Betway Conditions Stakes at Newcastle in December but 2020 got off to a disappointing start as he only finished fourth at Wolverhampton on January 13.

The five-year-old was way below his best and Palin, who is also a partner of owners Middleham Park Racing, suggested a busy summer that included a trip to Australia could have been to explain for the poor showing.

It was thought the Richard Hannon-trained charge would be heading for the Red Sea Turf Handicap over a mile and seven furlongs in Riyadh on February 29, but Palin says this is not a certainty and revealed Lingfield’s April meeting is an option instead.

“We’ve got the Saudi race in mind. It’s not a definite, but it’s a possibility,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “Richard (Hannon) says he’s going to give him three easy weeks, see how he is – and then make a decision whether we go there or not.

“If not, we’ll freshen him up for Finals Day at the end of the all-weather season. That will be his target.”