 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
There was a time not so long ago when Japanese racing couldn't be taken all that seriously.
Although Japanese horses would compete in international events such as the Dubai World Cup, Breeders Cup' and Royal Ascot, it was rare that they would produce any winners.
How that has changed!
Fast forward to the present day, and Japanese racing is the envy of the world. With a litany of international victories, Japan is eying up another famous race in the shape of the 2024 Dubai World Cup.
The Dubai World Cup has long been regarded as one of the most famous races in the world. Not only does the race carry a whopping US$12 million prize pool, but some of the very best horses from all over the world will line up to compete.
The 2023 renewal was memorable for Japan as Ushba Tesoro became only the second horse to hail from the country to emerge victorious.
Ahead of this year's race, he showed that once again he is in great form when only just denied in the 2024 Saudi Cup.
Ushba Tesoro will head back to Dubai to confidently defend his crown and will be joined in the race by fellow Japanese horses Derma Sotogake, Dura Erede and Wilson Tesoro.
As well as a strong Japanese presence, this year's Dubai World Cup lineup will feature a strong American challenge which will be headlined by Newgate and the narrow 2024 Saudi Cup victor Senor Buscador.
There is huge excitement that the two principles from the Saudi Cup will be taking on one another once again, with many anticipating another classic encounter.
Also taking his chance will be Kabirkhan. Easily the least exposed horse in the field, he is another who will head to Meydan looking to hold a serious chance of victory.
Winning the Dubai World Cup is never easy, but this year's race looks exceptionally competitive, and whoever comes out on top will have to produce something special.
Of the four Japanese horses due to race in the 2024 Dubai World Cup, the one horse that is flying under the radar is Wilson Tesoro.
Likely to start the race as one of the outsiders, the 5YO will head to Dubai looking to land the biggest race of his career.
Trained by Hitoshi Kotegawa, he dons the same colours as his more illustrious rival, Ushba Tesoro. However, unlike Ushba Tesoro, this will be his first run overseas, and he arrives at Meydan with plenty to prove.
Despite the challenges ahead, Kotegawa isn't phased by the fact that this will be Wilson Tesoro's first run on foreign shores.
"He has run at many racetracks in Japan and runs well no matter where he goes. He seems to be resilient to changes in the environment and seems to be able to handle any racetrack."
"There are many things we don't know about transporting him overseas for the first time, but his potential is very high, and this time he will be returning to Yusuke Hara, who is a jockey used to riding him. These familiarities should cover any concerns. I truly believe that”.
If things had gone to plan, this wouldn't have been Wilson Tesoro's first crack at landing a race on international shores. His connections were hopeful that he would be able to have a shot at the 2024 Saudi Cup, but sadly, an invite never arrived.
Despite preparing for the Saudi Cup, Kotegawa had to change his plans at the last minute and instead stayed at home.
 |  |
Filling the void, he sent his charge to the 2024 Gr.1 February Stakes, where he could only finish well down the field. However, Kotegawa isn't overly concerned by that disappointing showing last time out.
"I had planned to compete in the Saudi Cup, but because he wasn't selected, I had to race him domestically, and we raced in the Gr.1 February Stakes. Because of this late change in plan, I wasn't too disappointed about his 8th place finish."
Wilson Tesoro will arrive in Dubai ready to race
Despite heading into the Dubai World Cup as a major underdog and looking for his first Group 1 victory, Kotegawa is pleased with how his horse has prepared.
"Two races ago at the Tokyo Daishoten, he ran well, and for large parts of the race, he looked like he could beat Ushba Tesoro. Then, in the Champions Cup, he was able to cross the line not too far behind Japan's dirt king Lemon Pop, and those performances give us plenty of hope."
If you fancy backing Wilson Tesoro in the upcoming Dubai World Cup, you can be assured that no other horse will arrive in better shape.
A busy winter schedule means that the Dubai World Cup will be his sixth start in the last six months, and according to Kotegawa, he has emerged from this busy period in excellent shape.
"His daily rider is a veteran named Tetsuo Sakakibara, and he is one of the best grooms in Japan. He has ridden some of Japan's best horses and has a reputation for keeping all of his horses in great condition. We have no doubts that he will travel to Dubai in good condition this time as well."
Dubai World Cup is no stranger to shock winners
Although his recent form and the betting dictate that Wilson Tesoro will start as a genuine outsider, the Dubai World Cup is no stranger to a shock.
Last year's winner, Ushba Tesoro, landed the odds at 10/1, and previous victors Montessero, Prince Bishop, African Story and Well Armed have all won the race at big prices. History would suggest that Wilson Tesoro could pull off the shock.
This will be the hottest race that Wilson Tesoro will have ever competed in, but despite the high-class level of opposition, Kotegawa is quietly confident of a big showing, boldly proclaiming that "of all the Japanese horses, the horse with the most unknowns may be the only one capable of giant-killing. Don't underestimate it."
Over the last few years, we have all come to realise that any Japanese runner in a race of this magnitude has to be respected. Although he might be the least fancied Japanese runner in the field, Wilson Tesoro has earned his way into a race of this nature and has plenty of high-class experience in the book.
A much-loved horse, he has suffered several near misses but seems to have taken it all in his stride. His owners know what it takes to win this race and it wouldn't be a surprise to see Wilson Tesoro play a major role in the outcome of this year's Dubai World Cup.