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| Staff Writer |
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Forever Young is heading a powerful 19-strong Japanese contingent descending on King Abdulaziz Racecourse for the US$20 million Saudi Cup meeting on February 22, with the Tokyo Daishoten hero leading his nation's four-pronged attack on the feature contest.
Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the Classic-placed colt has already tasted success at the track, landing last year's Gr.3 Saudi Derby, and brings rock-solid form to the table having filled third spot in both the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby and Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic.
The raiding party's main event challenge is further strengthened by Wilson Tesoro, who has twice chased home Lemon Pop in the Gr.1 Champions Cup, while Ramjet, impressive winner of the Tokyo Derby, and last year's Gr.1 Dubai World Cup hero Ushba Tesoro complete a formidable quartet.
Japan's supporting cast appears equally compelling with Shin Emperor, who chased home the winner in the Gr.1 Japan Cup last time, holding strong claims in the Gr.2 Neom Turf Cup, while Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Mile fourth Ten Happy Rose looks poised to make his presence felt in the Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint.
The Japanese challengers entered quarantine on February 6 and are scheduled to arrive in Riyadh on February 13, where hopes are high they can build on their growing international reputation.