 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
The US$1.5 million Gr.3 Saudi Derby is not just a highlight in the lineup of the world's richest race, the Gr.1 Saudi Cup, but also an essential element in the build-up to the 150th edition of the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
There are three key contenders for the Saudi Derby, including a promising colt from Japan named Forever Young, as well as two American horses that are better suited for shorter distances. Forever Young is sired by Real Steel, with Forever Darling as his dam, and is owned by Fujita Susumu. The colt has won all three of his races so far and even led the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby program for a brief period before opting to compete in the Middle East instead.
This move allowed Ramjet to take the lead, following a similar path as last year's winner, Derma Sotogake, who also skipped the rest of the Japanese series and won the Gr. UAE Derby in Dubai to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Although the Saudi Derby does not count towards the Kentucky Derby, a strong performance from Forever Young could help earn him a spot in Dubai. Derma Sotogake himself proved the effectiveness of this strategy, finishing sixth in the Kentucky Derby and becoming the runner-up in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic in November. As a result, he is considered a top contender for the upcoming Gr.1 Saudi Cup.
"Everything has gone well and I have no concern for his form at the moment," said Yusaku Oka, assistant to Forever Young's trainer, Yoshito Yahagi.
"As he did all he needed to before we brought him here, we had not asked him too much. ...He is tuning up for the race and is very well. Hopefully he keeps good form until the race."
Before granting passage to America, Forever Young needs to show more, while the Americans are vying for a huge prize over a one-turn race that suits their forte.
Bentornato, a colt sired by Valiant Minister, caught the eye by winning the first two legs of the Florida Sire Series at Gulfstream Park. However, he secured third place in the final leg when asked to stretch around two turns.
Trainer Jose D'Angelo admitted that distance limitations might affect Bentornato's future, but he refrained from ruling out improvement in the days leading up to the Saudi run.
Book'em Danno, a Bucchero gelding bred in New Jersey, boasts a record of four wins from five starts as he enters the desert. After winning his debut race, he clinched the Smoke Glacken Stakes at Monmouth Park and Futurity Stakes at the Belmont and the Big A meet.
Although he finished second in the Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack in November, he bounced back with a victory in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on 13th Jan.
Japan has 22 runners participating in the event, with two more in the field - Satono Phoenix and Set Up. With dirt racing experiencing a resurgence in Japan, either of them could emerge as strong contenders.
Argentine-bred Oasis Boy represents Dubai in the Derby, while a hopeful field of five local runners is led by Salam Alkhair, a Kentucky-bred son of Enticed who earned his place in the field through the burgeoning Saudi program.