Saudi Cup: Forever Young Draws Outside, Romantic Warrior Inside

Posted by author February 19, 2025 Horse Racing

For a horse race billed as the richest in the world, there sure doesn’t seem to be much buzz around the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

While the winner pockets $10 million – yes, $10 million! — only a few highly-regarded contenders were officially entered in the 14-horse field on Wednesday.

Forever Young (JPN) and Sakai win the G3 Boutique Group Saudi Derby, King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Mathea Kelley-Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, Feb. 24, 2024

A Field of 14 Entered for the “World’s Richest Race”

For those who bet horse racing, though, this could be a chance to score big if the two favorites, Forever Young (8-5) and Romantic Warrior (2-1), come up short in the 1 1/8-mile race over the dirt track at King Abdulaziz Racetrack. The early betting line is based on international odds (gambling is prohibited in Saudi Arabia).

Forever Young, unbeaten in his seven races outside America and one of four Japan breds in the race, drew the outside 14 post. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi smiled after learning the post. “I don’t really have a preference for a gate, but I’d rather have outside than inside.”

Other notable entries include Ushba Tesoro (14-1, post 1), runner-up in the Saudi Cup last year, and Rattle N Roll (10-1, post 7), trained by Kenny McPeek and the only American-based horse in the field.

Among those who took a pass — for various reasons — on the long journey to the desert include 2024 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Laurel River (injury), Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winners Sierra Leone (2024) and White Abarrio (2023), BC Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winner Song of an Angel, and Todd Pletcher-trained Locked, runner-up in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).

The sixth running of the Saudi Cup will feature 10-time Grade 1 winner, Romantic Warrior, making his first start on dirt after compiling a resume of 18 victories in 23 starts and a bankroll of $22,798,595 for owner Peter Lau.

“It wasn’t an easy decision for the owner as we missed the Gold Cup and Stewards’ Cup in Hong Kong,’’ trainer Danny Shum said. “If we stayed there, we could win on the turf easily, but Peter really wanted to try the challenge of the world’s richest race and come to the Saudi Cup. We are really looking forward to it.”

Yahagi is, too, especially after Forever Young completed a final workout on Feb. 12 at Ritto Training Center near Kyoto.

“It is great that he has been able to train in the stable. He is at his peak right now,’’ Yahagi said.

Added assistant trainer Yuki Araki: “He is improving and finished well both physically and mentally. There are no concerns about his condition as he prepares to ‘conquer the world.”

James McDonald, the regular rider for Romantic Warrior, has high praise for the three-time Hong Kong Cup winner.

“Every time I get on him, I feel like he is unbeatable – he just gives you that feeling and that is incredible going to these big races like that,’’ McDonald said. “I just feel like he is getting better and better at the moment, so there is no reason why he can’t be the horse to beat in Saudi (Arabia) … He is still on an upward spiral and at the peak of his powers.”

Rattle N Roll comes into the race off a victory in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G3) on Jan. 25. McPeek figures his 7-year-old has a “little advantage because we’ve won over this track.”

Half the field is listed at odds of 30-1 or higher: Intense For Me, Wilson Tesero, Wootton’son, Wait To Excel, Al Musmak, Defunded, and El Kodigo.