Japan's Kentucky Derby Hopefuls Target Saudi Glory

Team Japan's contingent of 20 selected runners arrived safely at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5. Forever Young (JPN), the flag bearer of the team and reigning Saudi Cup (G1) victor, breezed 6 furlongs in 1:17 3/5 over the woodchip course at Ritto Training Center Feb. 3 before shipping to Riyadh. The 5-year-old Yoshito Yahagi-trainee was crowned 2025 Eclipse champion older dirt male, becoming just the second Japanese-based horse to receive an Eclipse award. Japan will be represented by five runners in the Saudi Derby (G3), a newly added points-bearing race on the European/Middle East Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1). Four of the entries are included on the list of 2026 Triple Crown nominees, which was announced Feb. 3. Best Green (JPN), trained by Junji Tanaka, finished third in the Zen Nippon Nisai Yushun, Dec. 17, the second leg on Japan's Road to the Kentucky Derby. He was previously undefeated coming into the race off four consecutive wins. Tokai Ma Cherie (JPN), trained by Daisuke Takayanagi, who nominated 14 3-year-olds to the Triple Crown, has not raced since Nov. 27, when she took the Hyogo Junior Grand Prix at Sonoda. The Drefong filly is one of 11 fillies nominated to the Triple Crown. Takayanagi's other entrant, Wonder Dean (JPN), has finished second in two stakes races, with his most recent effort coming Dec. 20 at Hanshin. Keiai Agito (JPN), trained by Yukihiro Kato, comes into the race off two wins from three starts.