As Kentucky Derby 2024 Nears, Amante Bianco Prepares Japanese Icon’s Take Down in Saudi Derby

Kentucky Derby is undeniably the most anticipated event on the horse racing calendar. ‘The fastest two minutes in sports‘ is appealing enough to draw the finest of equines, connections, and enthusiasts alike. However, while a long road extends to the race’s arrival, the prep races have held major compelling scenes if not equal to decide on an equine’s entry to the coveted race.

The road to Kentucky Deby makes up a noticeable space on the horse racing schedule. While hundreds frame the list, some stand out more than the rest to draw eyes. One among the former is the Saudi Cup’s undercard, G3 Saudi Derby with a prize purse of $1.5 Million. With the thrills and competition already on board, two of Japan’s leading equines’ entry into the group has only ensured more of the enthusiasm.

Leading names rivalry draw horse racing attention

On the 16th of January, World Horse Racing confirmed on X that Amante Bianco and Forever Young will be taking on each other at the Saudi Derby. Amante Bianco has already caught the community’s attention as an excelling White Thoroughbred well on the way to the Kentucky Derby. Forever Young, unbeatable in 3 of his starts yet, has remained no behind either. Thus, when WHR confirmed the news, the air adorned keen eyes.

“LOCKED IN,” the post reported on the two’s status. While both Amante Bianco and Forever Young have held individual horse racing records, it isn’t all to increase the stakes of excitement. The two champions have previously led the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series that promises a spot at Churchill Downs for the top runner.

Kentucky Derby: A race to inch ahead

The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series offers four races to help clinch a spot at Churchill Downs. Interestingly, the first two have been marked to Amante Bianco and Forever Young’s name. Back in November 2023, the Cattleya S. racing marked the first races of the series. Amante Bianco, won by three-quarters of a length in 1:37.5. The finish earned the 3-year-old the first points of the series. The next points of course were to Forever Young’s name.

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The 3-year-old left behind 11 rivals on December 13th at the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun. Jockey Ryusei Sakai, raced the equine to victory by an impressive 7-length lead to mark his way to the Kentucky Derby. Amante Bianco has 2 wins and a third place to his name while Forever Young holds 3 whole victories. Thus, a showdown at the Saudi Derby on Feb 24th would be no short of a spectacle. Moreover, if Amante Bianco were to excel on the road to Kentucky Derby and the race itself, he would be the first white horse to clinch the event’s win.

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