Many would find it hard to believe that Romantic Warrior is reaching new heights, considering the exceptional career he has already carved out. However, jockey James McDonald is convinced his star galloper is in peak condition heading into the world’s richest race this Saturday.
Romantic Warrior will create history as Hong Kong’s first runner in Saudi Arabia, and he heads into the US$20 million (AU$31.5 million) Group 1 Saudi Cup as the leading contender. Victory would place him among an elite group of past winners from the USA, Japan, and Great Britain.
“Every time I ride him, he gives me the feeling that he can’t be beaten,” McDonald said after the multiple Group 1 winner drew barrier three for the 1800-metre contest.
“It’s an incredible experience.”
A key question remains—how will Romantic Warrior handle racing on dirt for the first time? The surface switch has been a major talking point throughout his Saudi Cup campaign. His most recent start was a Group 1 victory in Dubai’s Jebel Hatta (1800m) on January 24, run on turf.
“He’ll cope with it, but we won’t truly know until he faces the kick-back,” McDonald said.
“He’s trained on dirt his entire life in Hong Kong, but race-day conditions are always different.”
“He’s feeling great, moving well, and in top shape, which is all we can hope for.”
Despite the unknowns, McDonald draws confidence from the ambitious approach taken by connections, who have never shied away from big challenges.
“Danny (Shum) and Peter (Lau) are ambitious owners, and they have an outstanding horse – a true champion – so it makes sense to aim high,” McDonald said.
“He’s taken on the biggest challenges and conquered them.”
“The Cox Plate, Japan, Dubai, and now Saudi Arabia.”
Among his key rivals, Japan’s Ushba Tesoro has drawn the inside barrier, while fellow Japanese contender Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, has drawn the outside gate in barrier 14.
Yahagi, who boasts an impeccable record in Saudi Arabia with four winners from four runners, remains unfazed by the wide draw.
“I’m not worried about the gate position, whether inside or out,” Yahagi said.
“But I do prefer being on the outside.”
