Japanese training maestro Yoshito Yahagi has pinpointed Hong Kong sensation Romantic Warrior (IRE) as the chief threat to his star Forever Young (JPN) in next Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup.

A dominant force at the Saudi Cup meeting, Yahagi has already notched up four wins, including a landmark victory in the 2023 Saudi Cup with Panthalassa. His current contender, Forever Young, returns to Riyadh as the defending Saudi Derby champion, aiming to add another major title to his record.

The four-year-old came heartbreakingly close in last year’s Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic, falling just short in both races. Now, he faces a fresh challenge from Romantic Warrior, a 10-time Group 1 winner making his dirt debut.

“Romantic Warrior should be the biggest danger, but he is not the only rival to us,” Yahagi remarked.

Forever Young arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night alongside stablemates Shin Emperor (FR) and Mistress (JPN). The former is set to contest the newly upgraded $2 million Howden Neom Turf Cup (G2), while the latter will line up in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3), presented by ZOOD Realty.

Yahagi expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, stating: “All three horses had strong gallops before departure, and I’m very happy with their current condition.”

The globally renowned trainer, who has made history for Japan with victories in the Cox Plate, the Breeders’ Cup, and major races across Saudi Arabia and Dubai, left no doubt about his ambition: “Of course, my goal is to win all three races.”

Image JCSA/Rasmussen