Japan’s dirt racing scene doesn’t often have a major impact on international competitions, especially at regional tracks, but this year’s Saudi Cup tells a different story. A remarkable four runners from a single race in Japan are set to compete in the world’s richest race on Saturday, showcasing the country’s growing influence on the global dirt racing stage.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, with an impressive 22 Group 1 victories under his belt—including the 2019 Cox Plate (2040m) with Lys Gracieux—is hoping to secure a second Saudi Cup win after triumphing with Panthalasa in 2023. His record in Saudi Arabia is impeccable, having won with all four of his previous starters.
Among his strongest contenders is Forever Young, a three-year-old colt who recently claimed the Group 1 Tokyo Daishoten (2000m) with a Racing and Sports rating of 121. That race, held on December 29 at Tokyo City Keiba (Ohi), produced four runners for the upcoming 1800m event.
Forever Young will be joined by Wilson Tesoro, Ramjet, and Ushba Tesoro, who finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, in the same contest.
Jockey Ryusei Sakai, who has partnered Forever Young in all seven of his wins, will once again take the reins.
“He travelled to Riyadh very well,” Sakai said.
“He has been very relaxed and looked confident since he has arrived.
“I have no worries about him. He is a very versatile type of horse and can handle any type of track condition.”
Forever Young has drawn barrier 14 of 14, but Yahagi remains unfazed, preferring an outside gate over an inside one. Sakai shares this sentiment.
“The wide gate is not a big concern and distance-wise there is no issue either.”