Japan sends a 19-horse delegation to the Feb. 22 Saudi Cup (G1) and its undercard races at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. They began quarantine Feb. 6 and will take the flight to Riyadh Feb. 13.
Japan’s four representatives in the $20 million Saudi Cup are the first four finishers of the Dec. 29 Tokyo Daishoten (G1) at Oi Racecourse.
Forever Young , who won the Tokyo Daishoten, should be a familiar name for racing fans in the United States as he made two trips to the U.S. in 2024. He was narrowly beaten when third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in May and third again in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in November. Forever Young won the Saudi Derby (G3) at King Abdulaziz one year ago.
Other members of Team Japan in the Saudi Cup are Wilson Tesoro, who finished second to Lemon Pop in the Champions Cup (G1) in 2023 and 2024, Ramjet , who won the Tokyo Derby at Oi in June by six lengths, and Ushba Tesoro , winner of the 2023 Dubai World Cup (G1) and second in the 2024 Saudi Cup.
It is expected Shin Emperor , who finished second in the Japan Cup (G1) last time out, should have a lively chance to win the Neom Turf Cup (G2T) and Ten Happy Rose , fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) in November, should be a leading contender in 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T).
