SENOR Buscador gave the United States victory in Saturday's $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh.

Trained by the little-known Todd Fincher, who is based in New Mexico, the six-year-old Senor Buscador started at 16/1 in international markets and looked to have no chance of victory entering the home stretch, as the appropriately-named Saudi Crown battled up front with National Treasure.

However, the strong early pace was now taking a toll on the leaders and Japanese raider Ushba Tesoro, winner of last year's Dubai World Cup, came from far back to catch the leaders with just a couple of metres remaining.

Success seems assured for Ushba Tesoro only for Senor Buscador to collar the new leader in the very last stride. Saudi Crown held on gamely for third, with National Treasure in fourth.

The winner was ridden by Junior Alvarado, who rode two Breeders' Cup winners last November aboard Just F Y I and Cody's Wish.