The $20 million Saudi Cup is a premier goal of early season racing, with contenders coming from various corners of the globe. White Abarrio won the Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park, but plans for the Saudi Cup are still undecided. In Dubai, Romantic Warrior won the Jebel Hatta, Laurel River finished second in the Firebreak Stakes, and Walk of Stars won the Al Maktoum Challenge, all potential candidates for the Saudi Cup.

In the Road to the Roses, Speed King upset the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park, earning 20 points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. Golden Vekoma won the UAE 2000 Guineas in Dubai and is headed to the Saudi Derby. In the Road to the Oaks, Take Charge Milady won the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park, while Onyx Ten won the Xtra Heat Stakes at Laurel Park.

In Dubai, Tuz won the Al Shindagha Sprint, West Acre won the Blue Point Sprint, and Marbaan won the Al Fahidi Fort. In turf racing, Spirit of St Louis won the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, Dashman won the William L. McKnight Stakes, and Sugoi won the John B. Connally Turf Cup. In the Filly & Mare Turf division, Be Your Best won the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf, and Forever After All won the La Prevoyante Stakes.