Handicapping the Saudi Cup: Picks, Predictions

When it comes to the handicappers at usracing.com, the verdict is nearly unanimous – it's Forever Young winning the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) on Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Our touts agree that Japan star Forever Young has almost everything in his favor despite an outside No. 14 post. In addition, top challenger Romantic Warrior, a winner of 10 Group 1 races and earnings of more than $22 million, is running on a dirt track for the first time.

Forever Young, Romantic Warrior, or a longshot?

Of our seven handicappers, Forever Young was picked to win by five, with one selecting Romantic Warrior and one going with longshot Walk of Stars.

Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, closed out a brilliant 3-year-old career with a 1 ¾-length victory over Wilson Tesoro, with Ramjet third and Ushba Tesoro fourth in the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) on Dec. 29.

All three will take on Forever Young again on Saturday, along with a handful of Saudi-owned longshots, European representative Facteur Cheval, and U.S. runner Rattle N Roll.

Forever Young, a son of Real Steel, has won seven of nine career starts – his only defeats came in the U.S. when he was third by two heads in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) and third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

“The gifted international star returns to the scene of his victory last year in the Saudi Derby,’’ notes The Professor. “His dirt experience gives him an edge over the classy Romantic Warrior.”

However, it should be pointed out that Forever Young has one Group 1 victory on his resume, while 7-year-old Romantic Warrior has 10, but the turf-to-dirt factor looms large.

“A thrilling closing run to edge Book’em Danno in the Saudi Derby (on dirt) a year ago at this track gives me confidence he can do it again in the Saudi Cup,’’ says Captain Morgan.

Romantic Warrior, who has won in Australia, Dubai, and Hong Kong, breaks from the No. 3 post with his regular rider James McDonald aboard. He has the support of MadMax: “At 5-2 morning-line odds, he will get out early and run to victory.’’

And for all you longshot lovers, how about Walk of Stars? The 6-year-old gelding is running for Bhupat Seemar, who also trains the sidelined Laurel River, who would have been one of the favorites to win the Saudi Cup.

“Connections know how to light up the tote board on the international stage,’’ says HorseCents. “Trainer’s barn star (Laurel River) skips the race so this one can run.”

In the end, “experience in dirt races and a win over this track give Forever Young the edge,’’ adds Racing4$.

For those who bet on horse racing, here’s the rundown of the top 3 finishers from our handicappers:

CaptainMorgan: 1 Forever Young 2 Ushba Tesoro 3 Walk of Stars

Trackenstein: 1 Forever Young 2 Romantic Warrior 3 Rattle N Roll

The Professor: 1 Forever Young 2 Romantic Warrior 3 Rattle N Roll

MadMax: 1 Romantic Warrior 2 Forever Young 3 Rattle N Roll

Racing4$: 1 Forever Young 2 Ushba Tesoro 3 Rattle N Roll

HorseCents: 1 Walk of Stars 2 Rattle N Roll 3 Romantic Warrior

Mr. Tout: 1 Forever Young 2 Facteur Cheval 3 Romantic Warrior

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.