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| Staff Writer |
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Fresh from their battle in the Gr.1 Tokyo Daishoten, Noboru Takagi's powerful duo of Ushba Tesoro and Wilson Tesoro are poised to take centre stage at the US$20 million Saudi Cup. The Dubai World Cup-winning trainer's eyes gleam with quiet confidence as he discusses his unprecedented dual assault on one of the world's richest races, his journey to becoming an international racing force reaching another pivotal moment.
"Both horses are suited to the distance. It's a race with big prize money, so we decided to go together," Takagi states with characteristic modesty, masking the bold vision that has brought him to this point.
The story of Ushba Tesoro's rise to international prominence is a testament to Takagi's patient development of his talents. The son of legendary Japanese stallion Orfevre began his career on turf, targeting Classic races as a 3YO. However, Takagi's astute observation of the horse's aptitude for dirt racing led to a career-changing surface switch that would ultimately result in Dubai World Cup glory.
His remarkable journey has included victories in the Listed Brazil Cup and the Gr.1 Tokyo Daishoten, showcasing his versatility and class. The Dubai World Cup triumph in 2023 marked his emergence as a global dirt star, a victory that vindicated Takagi's belief in his ability to compete at the highest level internationally.
"I had the impression that the race in Saudi Arabia would be decided with a faster time. But based on last year's performance, I felt that this was a track that he could handle well," Takagi says, reflecting on Ushba Tesoro's dirt capabilities.
While Ushba Tesoro's achievements command attention, Wilson Tesoro has been quietly building an impressive resume of his own. His recent second-place finish in the Gr.1 Tokyo Daishoten demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, pushing his more celebrated stablemate into fourth place in a performance that caught the eye of many observers.
Wilson Tesoro's tactical versatility sets him apart from his stablemate. "Wilson can race in any style, whether it's leading or coming from behind. On the other hand, Ushba can't get to the front in the first half of the race," Takagi explains, highlighting the distinct characteristics that could prove crucial in the tactical battle of the Saudi Cup.
The preparation of both horses since their Tokyo Daishoten appearances has been carefully managed, with Takagi adopting distinctly different approaches for each horse's unique requirements.
"We kept both of them in the stables and did not send them out to pasture," Takagi reveals. "Wilson has been racing a lot in a short period of time, so we are taking good care of him and he is getting better."
The specific challenges of preparing Wilson Tesoro for international travel have necessitated a carefully calibrated approach. "Wilson is the type that gets excited easily, so we are not pushing him too hard. Also, he is a horse that loses weight during transportation, so we plan to give him some leeway. He will not gallop very hard after arriving at the local area."
For Ushba Tesoro, the journey since his Breeders' Cup appearance has required patience and understanding. "Ushba was rested after running in the Breeders' Cup in the US. Perhaps it is because he is getting older, but it took him a while to recover from that, which is why he lost in his last race. This time, he is clearly improving, so it is too early to give up on him."
The unique demands of King Abdulaziz Racecourse have influenced Takagi's preparation strategy for both horses. Equipment adjustments are being considered for Ushba Tesoro to optimise his racing style. "That's why he has to stay at the back,” he explains, “ but it would be good if he started to feel like going around the last corner. For that reason, I'm thinking of putting blinkers on him in Saudi Arabia, just like in his previous race."
Distance considerations played a crucial role in Takagi's planning. "To be honest, a longer distance would be better," he admits. "Wilson can run at 1,800 metres or 2,000 metres, but Ushba would probably be better off at over 2,000 metres."
The handling of Ushba Tesoro has evolved significantly over time, with Takagi noting, "There are many things to be careful about with this horse, like being careful with the track entrances and exits, and training at times and in environments where there are no other horses around, but it's not as difficult as it used to be."
Both horses will complete their journey to Riyadh via a carefully planned route, flying out of Shin-Tokyo Air Apartments on 13 February, with a stopover at Kansai International Airport before arriving in Riyadh the following day, just after 9 pm.
"We won't be changing anything compared to past trips, but I think it's great that the staff has become accustomed to the repeated trips," Takagi notes with satisfaction.
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Ushba Tesoro's remarkable journey from Japanese dirt specialist to global star has been one of racing's most compelling stories. His adaptability to different racing environments has been particularly noteworthy - from mastering the demanding dirt tracks of Japan to conquering Meydan's sweeping turns in the Dubai World Cup. The 7YO son of Orfevre has shown remarkable consistency across different continents and is a trait that Takagi believes will serve him well in Saudi Arabia.
His recent fourth-place finish in the Tokyo Daishoten, while below his best, showed glimpses of his enduring class. The competition that day revealed the emerging talent of his stablemate, Wilson Tesoro, whose second-place finish marked him as a horse firmly on the upgrade. Their contrasting fortunes that day tell a story of changing seasons in racing - the established champion and the rising star, both now united in a bold international campaign.
Wilson Tesoro's rapid progression through the ranks has been particularly impressive. His tactical versatility and robust constitution make him an intriguing prospect for the demanding international circuit. While he may lack the Group One winning credentials of his illustrious stablemate, his recent form suggests he's ready to make the leap to the highest level.
Looking beyond the immediate challenge of the Saudi Cup, Takagi's ambitions for both horses extend to the Dubai World Cup. "Depending on the results of the Saudi Cup, they are both planning to compete in the Dubai World Cup after that," he reveals, outlining a campaign that could establish both horses as genuine international stars.
For Ushba Tesoro, a return to Meydan would offer the opportunity to defend his Dubai World Cup crown, while for Wilson Tesoro, it presents a chance to step out of his stablemate's shadow and create his own legacy on the international stage.
The Saudi Cup represents different opportunities for each horse - for Ushba Tesoro, a chance to add another prestigious international victory to his resume, and for Wilson Tesoro, an opportunity to announce himself as a genuine global contender. As Takagi works quietly with his horses in the pre-dawn calm, the prospect of Saudi Cup glory looms large — yet it is clear that for both horses, this is just one step in their continuing international journey.
The parallels between these two talented horses extend beyond their shared surname. Both have shown an affinity for dirt racing that suggests they belong at this level, and both have demonstrated the kind of adaptability that international competition demands. Their complementary racing styles - Wilson Tesoro's tactical versatility and Ushba Tesoro's proven ability to deliver powerful late runs - give Takagi a fascinating tactical hand to play in the Saudi Cup.
As the countdown to the Saudi Cup continues, both horses are showing the signs their trainer wants to see. Their daily routines at home in Japan have been carefully crafted to prepare them for the challenges ahead, with every aspect of their preparation scrutinised and refined. The attention to detail that has become Takagi's hallmark is evident in every decision, from training schedules to travel arrangements.
Whether they can add the Saudi Cup to their achievements remains to be seen, but with Takagi's masterful handling and the proven abilities of his star horses, both Ushba Tesoro and Wilson Tesoro stand ready to write their names into the history books of international racing. In their contrasting styles and shared ambitions, they represent not just the strength of Japanese racing, but the evolving nature of global competition - where champions can emerge from any corner of the racing world, guided by horsemen who dare to dream on the international stage.