The fourth running of the world’s richest race, the US$20m Saudi Cup (G1) went the way of Japan for the first-time when Panthalassa lead throughout to win and complete another memorable Saudi Cup Meeting for the Japanese raiders by completing a treble and for trainer Yoshito Yahagi a double.
Panthalassa's all the way success under veteran jockey Yutaka Yoshida held the United States Bob Baffert trained Country Grammar, meaning for the second successive year he finished runner-up in The Saudi Cup (G1). Japan had four of the first five home.
The jockey reflected:
"When he drew barrier one my tactic was simply to take a lead. He sometimes doesn't jump well so I concentrated on giving him a good start and he did it. When he took an early lead, the others did not give too much pressure to him. The pace was not too strong for him, it was another factor for him to keep finding until the line.
"I did break well and then it was straightforward. I didn't think about the surface, I just rode my race and thought if he adapts to the track, it would be all right. Panthalassa always found another gear and so I kept riding. It is an unforgettable moment".
For Pathalassa, this confirmed his versality to win at elite level on both dirt and turf tracks.
Trainer Yahagi was one of the trainers that tasted success last year as part of Japan's four-timer and this was his second winner of the evening, following Bathrat Leon's win in the 1351 Turf Sprint. The win also completed a double for owners Hiroo Race Co Ltd who owned both Yahagi's winners.
The trainer was full of praised for the jockey:
"Panthalassa had a perfect start today. I applaud Yutaka's jump, it was a masterful job from the jockey. When I drew barrier one I thought this was a big advantage to him but it worked perfectly.
"I really can't believe it. I don't know if it is real at the moment. Thank you to my staff and to my horse. I think I was correct that my feeling was right that he could handle the dirt."
For Frankie Dettori, rider of second placed Country Grammar:
"He ran a super race. At the top of the straight, I thought, 'Oh god, I'm going to finish sixth' but he just has too much heart. He wants a mile and a quarter [2000m]. Super result. They were coming back to me, but the winning post was there."
Last year's winner Emblem Road finished sixth. The winning time was 1:50.80.
