Japan plans to send a strong team of 22 runners to Riyadh for the 2024 Saudi Cup Night at King Abdulaziz Racetrack Feb. 24, including five runners who will be represented in the $20 million feature Saudi Cup (G1).
Flag-bearer Lemon Pop , owned by Godolphin, is the fourth horse to win in the same year both group 1 dirt events at JRA—the February Stakes (G1) and the Champions Cup (G1), along with being crowned JRA Dirt Champion for 2023.
Ushba Tesoro , who won two group 1s, including the Dubai World Cup (G1), and subsequently earned the JRA Special Award for 2023, joins the Japanese delegation. The 7-year-old horse by Orfevre holds a 122 rating, two pounds higher than Lemon Pop, who earned 120 when he won the listed Nambu Hai.
Derma Sotogake , runner-up to White Abarrio in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park, is also training for the Saudi Cup. The 4-year-old colt by Mind Your Biscuits breezed at Ritto Training Center with Christophe Lemaire in the irons Jan. 31.
Crown Pride , the fifth-place finisher in last year’s Saudi Cup, won the 2023 Korea Cup (G3) by ten lengths at Seoul, and Meisho Hario, who finished third in the February Stakes (G1) last year, joined the team due to ship to Riyadh Feb. 14.
