Photo:

Kaz Ishida / Eclipse Sportswire

Proven Japan-based dirt horse Forever Young reeled in 3-5 favorite Romantic Warrior, a turf racing star based in Hong Kong, in the Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup.

Defunded, Saudi local Al Muzmak and Walk of Stars made the early lead. Forever Young was not far from the leading line early, tucked in just behind, with Romantic Warrior to his inside.

Forever Young, the second favorite in the World Pool at 2-1, was the first to inch in closer to the leaders, getting in between Defunded and Al Muzmak. However, Romantic Warrior made the first big run. He shifted out into the turn, rallied five wide, and looked to be getting the best of Forever Young approaching the turn for home.

Romantic Warrior took a defined lead in upper stretch, with only Forever Young able to keep him close. Forever Young shifted out near the furlong mark under a drive, however, and doggedly continued to give chase. The effort paid off, as Forever Young caught Romantic Warrior inside the final fifty yards. He finished in a final time of 1:49.12 over dirt rated fast.

Ushba Tesoro rallied from well off the early pace to finish third ahead of Kenny McPeek-trained Rattle N Roll, who also came from near the back.

The victory brought Forever Young’s record to 10: 8-0-2, with his only two defeats coming in the 2024 Kentucky Derby and 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. It was his second career win at the top level, after the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) on Dec. 29.

Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi and ridden by Ryusei Sakai, became the fourth Japan-trained winner on Saudi Cup day after Shin Emperor in the Neom Turf Cup (G2), Ascoli Piseno in the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2) and Byzantine Dream in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2).