Dubai World Cup: Forever Young, Ushba Tesoro set for a fierce rematch

Dubai: The battle lines are drawn, and the stage is set. Saudi Cup winner Forever Young will break from stall five in Saturday’s $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan, where he faces a familiar foe — 2023 champion Ushba Tesoro. With Japan’s finest locked in for another showdown and American challengers in the mix, trainer Yoshito Yahagi is confident his star is primed for the ultimate test.

“We thought [beforehand] that the wider we got, the better. I didn’t want stall one or two for him so he gets a fair race, though it’s not a big matter anyway,” said an excited Yahagi during the postposition draw on Wednesday.

The 2,000-metre dirt showpiece will see 11 of the world’s best battle for glory, with the four-year-old bay colt renewing his rivalry with 2023 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro and his stablemate Wilson Tesoro.

Forever Young stamped himself as Japan’s leading dirt specialist when he overpowered Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in the $20 million Saudi Cup in February. Ushba Tesoro (ridden by Akira Sugawara) finished third, while Japan’s Wilson Tesoro (Yuga Kawada up) came fourth.

Trainer Yahagi believes his star has only improved since his dramatic win in Riyadh, while jockey Ryusei Sakai is determined to capitalise on the opportunity.

“It’s a mixed feeling as obviously there is pressure. But personally, I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to ride top-class horses, not only in Japan but also on the world stage,” said Sakai, who will also partner Shin Emperor in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.

“Last year we were unable to win a Group 1 overseas with these two horses, but this year we’re coming back to win as many races as possible with them, and perhaps every race.”

The eight-year-old Ushba Tesoro, who drew stall eight two years ago, will break from stall four, while Wilson Tesoro starts from stall three as he looks to overturn Saudi Cup form against Forever Young.

Wilson Tesoro’s trainer Noboru Takagi is “happy to avoid a wide draw,” while Ushba Tesoro’s connections remain unfazed. The habitually slow starter, they insist, will “run his own race, regardless of the draw.”

Front-runner Walk Of Stars, trained by Bhupat Seemar, will start from stall one as he aims to build on his Al Maktoum Challenge success in January. Seemar expects his horse to be “rocking and rolling” alongside Forever Young.

His stablemate Imperial Emperor, who finished second in that race, will have to overcome a wide draw in stall 10. However, last year’s Dubai World Cup winner, Laurel River, proved that a wide draw is no disadvantage, winning from stall 12.

Ryan Tongue, representing owners Deva Racing, said: “When there were two and ten left, I was hoping for two, of course, but he’s a very uncomplicated horse. He was in stall 14 last time and did very well from that draw, so I’m not really concerned.”

Seemar echoed the sentiment, calling his charge “uncomplicated” and “straightforward.”

Ramjet, the final member of Japan’s quartet, has finished behind Forever Young in his last three starts. Trainer Shozo Sasaki is unconcerned about his stall nine draw.

“We won’t go forward, and with only 11 horses, it doesn’t really matter,” he said.

Rattle N Roll will attempt to become the first American winner since Country Grammer in 2022. He will start from stall two and is joined by fellow American raiders Il Miracolo (6), Mixto (8), and Katonah (11).

The nine-race Dubai World Cup meeting promises several thrilling clashes. Romantic Warrior has drawn barrier nine in his bid for an 11th Group 1 win in the Dubai Turf, sponsored by DP World.

The Hong Kong champion dominated the Jebel Hatta over the same course and distance in January after breaking from gate one.

His rider, James McDonald, said: “I’m hoping nine is going to be my lucky number on Saturday [his other mount Howdeepisyourlove is also in nine for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint]. I’d rather have nine than one. He’ll be able to do his thing from there.”

Meanwhile, Godolphin’s superstar Rebel’s Romance, who defied stall 11 to win the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic last year, has drawn stall four. He will bid to become the first back-to-back winner of the race.

Dubai Racing Club has made minor adjustments to Saturday’s schedule, with the Dubai Kahayla Classic, sponsored by Zabeel Feed, kicking off the event at 4:35pm. Gates at Meydan Racecourse will now open at 2:30pm, with the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup taking place at 9:30pm, followed by a spectacular closing ceremony.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, jockeys, and guests is our top priority. The decision has been made to adjust the start time of Dubai World Cup day.”