The 2024 Saudi Cup, renowned as the world's richest horse race, is set to take place on February 23, 2024, at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With total prize money reaching $20 million, including $10 million for the winner, this prestigious event attracts competitors from around the globe, and this year, four remarkable Japanese horses are poised to make their mark.
Among the contenders, Forever Young stands out as the leading candidate. Under the training of Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young has impressed with his recent race history. Last year, he showcased his talent by finishing third at the iconic Kentucky Derby, making him the first Japanese-trained horse to achieve such success. Following this, he clinched victory at the Japan Dirt Classic and came third again at the Breeders' Cup Classic. Yahagi remarked, "I believe the horses are in good form and will perform well," alluding to the confident spirit surrounding his team.
Also vying for excellence is Wilson Teodoro, trained by Takashi Takagi. Wilson Teodoro has built substantial momentum, recently competing alongside top-tier horses like Lemon Pop and Forever Young. Takagi noted, "Forever Young has shown great potential and can definitely compete for the top position," hinting at the intense training regimen Wilson has undergone to prepare him for the substantial challenge presented by the Saudi Cup.
Meanwhile, Ushba Tesoro returns for another exciting round. He performed strongly last year, finishing second and narrowly missing the victory after being passed by the American horse Senor Buscador. Now back for redemption, Ushba Tesoro's age—he’s eight—raises questions about whether he has maintained peak performance levels. Nevertheless, his connections remain optimistic about his readiness to reclaim glory.
Then there's Ramjet, the younger horse of the group at four years old. Although currently seen as slightly less competitive, Ramjet has shown signs of growth and adaptation, especially after improving his performance from fourth to third at the recent Tokyo Daishoten. The nature of the Saudi racetrack, known for its lighter surface, may favor Ramjet's developing speed.
On the betting front, Forever Young is currently favored with odds of 2.75, closely followed by Romantic Warrior at 3.0. Various other competitors, including Rattle N Roll, show promising potential but lack the consistency of their Japanese counterparts. Interestingly, the Japanese horses' preparations for the Saudi Cup have been met with scrutiny and excitement, as their capability on international ground is put to the test.
Notably, many fans are keeping their eyes on the performance of the Japanese horses due to their ability to adapt and excel on foreign tracks. They have garnered respect through their consistent victories and formidable presence across major races. The race will begin at 2:40 PM JST, and fans expect significant action as these top-class competitors face off.
Critically, this year’s edition brings with it heightened intrigue. Many punters and analysts are pondering how the horses unfamiliar with dirt courses will handle the race's conditions. Although the King Abdulaziz Racetrack’s surface is reputed to favor non-dirt types, the impact of recent rain could complicate proceedings and add layers of unpredictability.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the Saudi Cup, especially for the Japanese contestants, is palpable. With each horse ready to dash for the grand prize, the stakes are incredibly high. Forever Young, Wilson Teodoro, Ushba Tesoro, and Ramjet have all arrived at this prestigious venue with hopes of showcasing their training and talent, making this competition one for the history books.
With such momentum and championship pedigree, expectations soar as fans, trainers, and jockeys alike look forward to what is sure to be an unforgettable day at the races. With the roar of the crowd and the thrill of competition, the Saudi Cup promises to be more than just another race—it’s where aspirations meet reality for these magnificent creatures.