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| Sumita Pawar |
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A team of 22 runners from Japan is set to participate in the upcoming 2024 Saudi Cup Night at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on 24th February. Among them, five runners will be represented in the US$20 million feature Gr.1 Saudi Cup, making it a strong team.
Godolphin-owned Lemon Pop, the flag-bearer for Japan, recently won both group one dirt events at JRA - the Gr.1 February Stakes and the Gr.1 Champions Cup, as well as being crowned the JRA Dirt Champion for 2023. This makes Lemon Pop the fourth horse to achieve this feat in the same year.
Ushba Tesoro, another Japanese runner, won two group ones, including the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup, and won the JRA Special Award for 2023. The 7YO horse by Orfevre holds a 122 rating, two pounds higher than Lemon Pop.
Derma Sotogake, who was the runner-up to White Abarrio in the 4th Nov Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park, is also training for the Saudi Cup.
The 4YO colt by Mind Your Biscuits breezed at Ritto Training Center with Christophe Lemaire in the irons on 31st January.
Crown Pride, who finished fifth in the last year's Saudi Cup, won the 2023 Gr.3 Korea Cup by ten lengths at Seoul, while Meisho Hario, who finished third in the Gr.1 February Stakes last year, joined the team and will be shipped to Riyadh on 14th February.