Forever Young And Nysos Headline Saudi Cup Showdown

Defending Champion Faces Baffert’s Best Shot In Saudi Cup

Forever Young, the brilliant Japanese superstar trained by Yoshito Yahagi, will be attempting to become the first dual winner of the Gr.1 Saudi Cup when facing American raider Nysos, the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile hero representing Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, in a US$20 million clash that headlines a spectacular nine-race card. The Susumu Fujita-owned five-year-old, who edged out Hong Kong legend Romantic Warrior in a pulsating renewal 12 months ago before landing the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Classic, stands as the world’s joint highest-rated dirt horse on 128.

Yahagi, the only two-time winning trainer of the Saudi Cup after Panthalassa’s 2023 victory, is embracing what could be his star’s final appearance at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. “Maybe this is going to be Forever Young’s last time to be able to compete in The Saudi Cup, so we will do our best to bring his full potential,” Yahagi said. “This year also has a strong lineup but the most important thing is to do my job and bring his best potential.”

Baffert, returning for the first time since 2020, has endured three agonising runner-up finishes in the race and knows the final 100 metres have proved his undoing. “That 100-meters mark is a killer for me,” Baffert said. “We are always ahead at the 100 meters, and then I just think, ‘Uh-oh, this is not good. We’ve still got 100 meters to go.’ We’ve come agonizingly close.”

He described Forever Young as “a unicorn” before adding, “I have so much respect for that horse. What he did as a 3-year-old – to win in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and come to the Derby and go so close... that is just unheard of.”

Nysos, boasting seven wins from eight starts with his sole defeat a neck behind Mindframe, needs to break well from gate 12. “He can sit, sit, sit and go whenever he wants to. His main weapons are that he can shut him down, shut him off during the race,” Baffert explained. Stablemate Nevada Beach, a Gr.1 Goodwood Stakes winner, provides additional firepower under Irad Ortiz Jr.

Yahagi, asked to identify his chief rival, replied simply, “It might be Nysos.”
Brad Cox sends Bishops Bay, a recent Gr.2 Cigar Mile winner now carrying the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz & Sons colours. “I think there is definitely some advantage to having been there,” Cox said. Kenny McPeek returns with Rattle N Roll, who finished fifth 12 months ago, declaring, “I have never had him better and I am excited.”

The Japanese contingent is strengthened by Luxor Cafe, a Gr.3 Musashino Stakes winner partnered by Joao Moreira, and Sunrise Zipangu for Kyoko Maekawa, who recently became the Japan Racing Association’s first licensed female trainer. “I expect a good result with Sunrise Zipangu,” Maekawa said. “We prepared him well in Japan.”

Locally trained Mhally, winner of the Gr.3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, lines up alongside supplemented filly Ameerat Alzamaan under Ryan Moore. Trainer Sami Alharabi declared, “I have been very pleased with her condition and believe she is in much better shape now than she was previously, showing clear improvement.” Banishing, Tumbarumba, Haqeet, Star Of Wonder and Thundersquall complete the field.

Shin Emperor Defending Neom Turf Crown

The Gr.1 Neom Turf Cup, elevated from Group Two status and carrying a purse of US$3 million, sees Shin Emperor bidding to defend the title he captured 12 months ago. Trained by Yahagi for Fujita, the five-year-old full brother to Arc winner Sottsass faces stiff opposition from Royal Champion, the joint top-rated runner on 119 and winner of the Gr.2 York Stakes by 2¾ lengths and the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy for Karl Burke.

Facteur Cheval, a Gr.1 Dubai Turf winner for Jerome Reynier and Team Valor International, adds further depth alongside Galen from Joseph O’Brien’s stable, the progressive Survie under Moore for George Boughey, and Japanese raider Alohi Alii. Yamanin Bouclier, Phantom Flight for George Scott, Silawi for Hamad Al Jehani, Direct Security and Bolide Porto complete the field.

Tennessee Stud Tops Red Sea Stayers

The Gr.2 Red Sea Turf Handicap over 3000 metres offers US$2.5 million and features Tennessee Stud, a Gr.1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner who finished third in the Epsom Derby for O’Brien, alongside top-weight Presage Nocturne for Alessandro Botti. O’Brien saddles three including Goodie Two Shoes, a surprise runner-up in the Melbourne Cup, and Sons And Lovers.

Tabletalk represents Tom Clover, whilst Burdett Road, a remarkable runner-up in the Champion Hurdle for James Owen, adds intrigue. Tarriance carries the Juddmonte silks for Andrew Balding, Struve arrives from Japan under Moreira, and Espoir Avenir, Epic Poet for David O’Meara, Vermicelles and Real Dream round out the 12.

Imagination Leads American Dirt Sprint Charge

The Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint over 1200 metres is worth US$2 million and features a strong American contingent led by Imagination, the Gr.2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship winner and Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up from Baffert’s stable under Flavien Prat. Lovesick Blues, a Gr.1 Bing Crosby Stakes winner for Librado Barocio, and Just Beat The Odds, a Gr.3 Elite Power Stakes winner trained by Gregg Sacco, provide further transatlantic firepower.

Japanese raider American Stage adds an international dimension for Yahagi, whilst Yamanin Cerchi and Gabby’s Sister strengthen the Japanese challenge under Mirai Iwata and Moreira respectively. Muqtahem, Royal Zabeel for Michael Appleby, Don Amitie under Moore, Self Improvement for Manfred Man, Colour Up for Doug Watson, Echo Point for Musabbeh Almheiri and Transferred complete a competitive 13-runner field.

Lazzat Returns To Defend Turf Sprint Title

The Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint, also worth US$2 million, sees Lazzat returning as the defending champion for Jerome Reynier and Wathnan Racing. The dual Group One winner faces Panja Tower, a Gr.1 NHK Mile Cup hero from Japan under Moreira, alongside Marvelman from Andrew Balding and Annaf for Michael Appleby, a previous winner of this race. Reef Runner provides American interest for David Fawkes, who is making his first foray into the GCC region. “He’s been going really well and his work the other day was really great,” Fawkes said. “He shipped like an old pro, takes everything in stride and nothing upsets him. He’s ready.” Comanche Brave represents Donnacha O’Brien under Moore, Time To Dazzle flies the flag for Mark Casse, Fortune Time, Shin Forever, Geography, Zefzaf, Love De Vega and Zio Jo for Doug O’Neill complete the 13.

Purebred Arabians Clash In Obaiyah Classic

The Gr.1 Obaiyah Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians over 2000 metres is worth US$2 million, with highest-rated Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah heading three from Nasser Mutlaq alongside Mutwakel Alkhalediah and Angad Al Khalediah. First Classs for Doug Watson and Najeeb Alzaman under Murphy are the chief threats, with Moshrif for Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte, Al Zeer, Nirehazz, Vizhir and AA RX Burn for Almheiri, Maestro Du Croate, Nijinski Al Maury and Madhmoon completing a quality renewal.

Japanese And American Three-Year-Olds Clash

The Gr.3 Saudi Derby over 1600 metres carries US$1.5 million and has attracted a quality international field of three-year-olds as part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Brad Cox’s My World, a three-race winner including the Jerome Stakes, is prominent under Ortiz Jr. “He’s working well, he’s fit, and he’s ready,” Cox said. Steve Asmussen’s Obliteration, a Gr.3 Sanford Stakes winner by 10½ lengths, and Doug O’Neill’s Acknowledgemeplz add American depth. “He has multiple gears and the one-turn mile suits him,” O’Neill said. McPeek’s Very Connected is partnered by local champion Adel Alfouraidi, with McPeek explaining, “I decided to find a local rider... Adel is the leading rider there and has been champion jockey.” Japan’s Satono Voyage, an Into Mischief colt with three straight wins including the Cattleya Stakes, heads a strong five-horse contingent alongside Best Green, Keiai Agito, Wonder Dean and Tokai Ma Cherie. Karl Burke’s Shayem and Gianluca Bietolini’s Cielo Di Roma represent European interests, with Al Haram, Union Security and Tuwajeri flying the local flag.

Locals Battle In Rich Federation Handicap

The Asian Racing Federation Cup Local Handicap over 1800 metres carries US$1.5 million and features joint top-rated Badr Alsamawi and Yaroa on 104. International jockey bookings elevate the contest, with Almobeer attracting Rosario, Fallat Kheir partnered by Murphy, Tahzeem under Prat and Motathabetah picked up by Barzalona. Aljenade saddles five of the 20 declared runners for the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Sons operation, with Salfan, Ibn Toulon, Lelah Doroh, Aljamaanee, Allah Maae, Misaaeel, Alnajim Alhaadhr, Dahs, Kawafill, Almaqam, Ana Khalejyah, Marhbabah and Shadow completing the field.

Scotland Yard Headlines Tuwaiq Cup Field

The Tuwaiq Cup (Listed) over 1800 metres worth US$1 million sees Scotland Yard heading the field on 106 for Nicolas Bachalard, who also saddles Carracci and Power Of Beauty. Michael Scofield is partnered by Murphy, whilst Alaham under Rosario and Bernard Shaw under Ortiz Jr represent Sultan bin Jalal. Waqtuk, Webinar, Havildar, Lionel, Wootton’sun, Sa’aeid, Ya Dar, Jack Red Cloud, Gharamy, Akfeek, Riyadh El Ezz, Wadaatak Allah and Final Destination complete the 19-runner contest.

Gr.1 Saudi Cup
1. Forever Young (T: Yoshito Yahagi / J: Ryusei Sakai)
2. Nysos (T: Bob Baffert / J: Flavien Prat)
3. Nevada Beach (T: Bob Baffert / J: Irad Ortiz, JR)
4. Luxor Cafe (T: Noriyuki Hori / J: Joao Moreira)
5. Sunrise Zipangu (T: Kyoko Maekawa / J: Oisin Murphy)
6. Banishing (T: David Jacobson / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
7. Bishops Bay (T: Brad Cox / J: Junior Alvarado)
8. Rattle N Roll (T: Kenny McPeek / J: Joel Rosario)
9. Tumbarumba (T: Hamad Al Jehani / J: James Doyle)
10. Ameerat Alzamaan (T: Sami Alharabi / J: Ryan Moore)
11. Star Of Wonder (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Camilio Ospina)
12. Haqeet (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Mickael Barzalona)
13. Mhally (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
14. Thundersquall (T: Muteb Almulawah / J: Daniel Tudhope)

Gr.1 Neom Turf Cup
1. Shin Emperor (T: Yoshito Yahagi / J: Ryusei Sakai)
2. Royal Champion (T: Karl Burke / J: Oisin Murphy)
3. Facteur Cheval (T: Jerome Reynier / J: Mickael Barzalona)
4. Survie (T: George Boughey / J: Ryan Moore)
5. Alohi Alii (T: Hiroyasu Tanaka / J: Mirai Iwata)
6. Galen (T: Joseph O’Brien / J: Dylan Browne McMonagle)
7. Yamanin Bouclier (T: Mikio Matsunaga / J: Norihiro Yokoyama)
8. Phantom Flight (T: George Scott / J: Callum Shepherd)
9. Silawi (T: Hamad Al Jehani / J: James Doyle)
10. Direct Security (T: Fahad Nasser / J: Joel Rosario)
11. Bolide Porto (T: Bader Rizaiq / J: Camilio Ospina)

Gr.2 Red Sea Turf Handicap
1. Presage Nocturne (T: Alessandro Botti / J: Stephane Pasquier)
2. Tabletalk (T: Tom Clover / J: Rossa Ryan)
3. Epic Poet (T: David O’Meara / J: Daniel Tudhope)
4. Sons And Lovers (T: Joseph O’Brien / J: Dylan Browne McMonagle)
5. Struve (T: Noriyuki Hori / J: Joao Moreira)
6. Tennessee Stud (T: Joseph O’Brien / J: Ryan Moore)
7. Burdett Road (T: James Owen / J: Patrick Cosgrave)
8. Goodie Two Shoes (T: Joseph O’Brien / J: Dylan Browne McMonagle)
9. Espoir Avenir (T: Christophe Ferland / J: Corallo Enzo)
10. Vermicelles (T: Keiji Yoshimura / J: Mickael Barzalona)
11. Real Dream (T: Ian Williams / J: Billy Loughnane)
12. Tarriance (T: Andrew Balding / J: Oisin Murphy)

Gr.2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint
1. American Stage (T: Yoshito Yahagi / J: Ryusei Sakai)
2. Colour Up (T: Doug Watson / J: Pat Dobbs)
3. Don Amitie (T: Teiichi Konno / J: Ryan Moore)
4. Echo Point (T: Musabbeh Almheiri / J: Connor Beasley)
5. Imagination (T: Bob Baffert / J: Flavien Prat)
6. Just Beat The Odds (T: Gregg Sacco / J: Irad Ortiz, JR)
7. Lovesick Blues (T: Librado Barocio / J: Geovanni Franco)
8. Muqtahem (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Muhammad Aldaham)
9. Royal Zabeel (T: Michael Appleby / J: Jason Watson)
10. Self Improvement (T: Manfred Man / J: Jerry Chau)
11. Transferred (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
12. Yamanin Cerchi (T: Naoya Nakamura / J: Mirai Iwata)
13. Gabby’s Sister (T: Kazutomo Mori / J: Joao Moreira)

Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint
1. Annaf (T: Michael Appleby / J: Rossa Ryan)
2. Comanche Brave (T: Donnacha O’Brien / J: Ryan Moore)
3. Fortune Time (T: Tatsuya Yoshioka / J: Ryusei Sakai)
4. Geography (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Camilio Ospina)
5. Lazzat (T: Jerome Reynier / J: James Doyle)
6. Love De Vega (T: Mohammed Ahmed / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
7. Marvelman (T: Andrew Balding / J: Patrick McDonald)
8. Panja Tower (T: Shinsuke Hashiguchi / J: Joao Moreira)
9. Reef Runner (T: David Fawkes / J: Irad Ortiz, JR)
10. Shin Forever (T: Hideyuki Mori / J: Keita Tosaki)
11. Zefzaf (T: Sami Alharabi / J: Joel Rosario)
12. Zio Jo (T: Doug O’Neill / J: Flavien Prat)
13. Time To Dazzle (T: Mark Casse / J: Oisin Murphy)

Gr.1 Obaiyah Arabian Classic
1. Nadem Al Molwk Al Khalediah (T: Nasser Mutlaq / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
2. First Classs (T: Doug Watson / J: Connor Beasley)
3. Najeeb Alzaman (T: Abdulaziz Almosa / J: Oisin Murphy)
4. Mutwakel Alkhalediah (T: Nasser Mutlaq / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
5. Moshrif (T: Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte / J: Guillaume Guedj-Gay)
6. Al Zeer (T: Ibrahim Al Hadhrami / J: Mickael Barzalona)
7. Nirehazz (T: Omar Altuwilei / J: Nawaf Almudiani)
8. Vizhir (T: Musabbeh Almheiri / J: Fahad Alfouraidi)
9. AA RX Burn (T: Musabbeh Almheiri / J: Kieran Shoemark)
10. Angad Al Khalediah (T: Nasser Mutlaq / J: Naif Alanazi)
11. Madhmoon (T: Hussein Alsenaidi / J: Amur Alrasbi)
12. Nijinski Al Maury (T: Mustafa Almosa / J: Daniel Tudhope)
13. Maestro Du Croate (T: Bassim Almousa / J: Camilio Ospina)

Gr.3 Saudi Derby
1. Satono Voyage (T: Hiroyasu Tanaka / J: Keita Tosaki)
2. Obliteration (T: Steve Asmussen / J: Joel Rosario)
3. Tokai Ma Cherie (T: Daisuke Takayanagi / J: Katsuma Sameshima)
4. Best Green (T: Junji Tanaka / J: Ryusei Sakai)
5. My World (T: Brad Cox / J: Irad Ortiz, JR)
6. Shayem (T: Karl Burke / J: James Doyle)
7. Wonder Dean (T: Daisuke Takayanagi / J: Oisin Murphy)
8. Al Haram (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
9. Keiai Agito (T: Yukihiro Kato / J: Joao Moreira)
10. Cielo Di Roma (T: Gianluca Bietolini / J: Mickael Barzalona)
11. Very Connected (T: Kenny McPeek / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
12. Acknowledgemeplz (T: Doug O’Neill / J: Flavien Prat)
13. Union Security (T: Ahmad bin Harmash / J: Connor Beasley)
14. Tuwajeri (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Muhammad Aldaham)

Asian Racing Federation Cup Local Handicap
1. Badr Alsamawi (T: Ahmed Abdulwahed / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
2. Yaroa (T: Bader Rizaiq / J: Nawaf Alfairouz)
3. Almobeer (T: Hamad Alrasheed / J: Joel Rosario)
4. Salfan (T: Sami Alharabi / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
5. Fallat Kheir (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Oisin Murphy)
6. Ibn Toulon (T: Abdullah Abdulrahman / J: Fahad Alfouraidi)
7. Lilaelem (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Junior Alvarado)
8. Lelah Doroh (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Abdullah Alfairouz)
9. Tahzeem (T: Fahad Saad / J: Flavien Prat)
10. Aljamaanee (T: Nicolas Bachalard / J: Naif Alanazi)
11. Allah Maae (T: Bader Rizaiq / J: Rayan Altoairsh)
12. Misaaeel (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Muhammad Aldaham)
13. Alnajim Alhaadhr (T: Bader Rizaiq / J: Fawaz Alshammari)
14. Dahs (T: Abdullah Alsaif / J: Alexis Moreno)
15. Kawafill (T: Mohammed Almeshrafi / J: Eiad Alturisi)
16. Motathabetah (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Mickael Barzalona)
17. Almaqam (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Camilio Ospina)
18. Ana Khalejyah (T: Faris Albelewi / J: Khaled Almimoni)
19. Marhbabah (T: Turki Alqattan / J: Aseel Alsarhani)
20. Shadow (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Tariq Almansour)

Tuwaiq Cup (Listed)
1. Scotland Yard (T: Nicolas Bachalard / J: Adel Alfouraidi)
2. Alaham (T: Sultan bin Jalal / J: Joel Rosario)
3. Bernard Shaw (T: Sultan bin Jalal / J: Irad Ortiz, JR)
4. Carracci (T: Nicolas Bachalard / J: Daniel Tudhope)
5. Final Destination (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Ricardo Ferreira)
6. Havildar (T: Baden Alsubaie / J: Abdullah Alfairouz)
7. Lionel (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Mickael Barzalona)
8. Michael Scofield (T: Saad Aljenade / J: Oisin Murphy)
9. Power Of Beauty (T: Nicolas Bachalard / J: Naif Alanazi)
10. Riyadh El Ezz (T: Abdullah Abdulaziz / J: Tariq Almansour)
11. Sa’aeid (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Aseel Alsarhani)
12. Wadaatak Allah (T: Fahad Alabdmonim / J: Fahad Alfouraidi)
13. Waqtuk (T: Hesham Abdulwahed / J: Alexis Moreno)
14. Webinar (T: Meshal Almutairi / J: Ahmed Alazhari)
15. Wootton’sun (T: Fahad Saad / J: Flavien Prat)
16. Ya Dar (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Mohammad Alhubail)
17. Gharamy (T: Abdullah Alsidrani / J: Muhammad Aldaham)
18. Akfeek (T: Hesham Abdulwahed / J: Camilio Ospina)
19. Jack Red Cloud (T: Salman Aladhayani / J: Junior Alvarado)