Report: Derma Sotogake hurts eye, still will race in Saudi Cup

Derma Sotogake, the 6-1 third choice in early betting for the Grade 1 Saudi Cup, suffered an eye injury somewhere between his home base in Japan and his arrival at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Racing Post reported Wednesday.

“We didn’t see how it happened on the plane,” said trainer Hidetaka Otonashi, who suspected Derma Sotogake might have gotten into a fight with the horse sharing his cubicle during the flight. “He’s recovered from the injury and was galloping very well, so we’ve decided to go ahead.”

Posts, odds for 14 horses in Saudi Cup 2024.

The 4-year-old colt by Mind our Biscuits had a five-furlong breeze Wednesday under Christophe Lemaire, who will have the ride in Saturday’s $20 million race.

“He is in great form,” Lemaire told the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia media team. “I did not ask him too much in the gallop, but he had momentum and made ground by himself. There is no issue about the track surface with him. ... The field will be very strong but he’s a tough horse. He’s able to jump well from the gates and take a position. He can keep a strong pace.”

After finishing third in last year’s Saudi Derby (G3), Derma Sotogake won the UAE Derby (G2) and finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby. Coming off a six-month break, he finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic to White Abarrio, whom he will face again this weekend.