Saudi Cup: 7-year-old Romantic Warrior still is improving

Romantic Warrior will break from barrier three against 13 rivals in Saturday’s Group 1 Saudi Cup going 1 1/8 miles on dirt at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia.

Hong Kong’s global champion is seeking a 19th win, an 11th at Group 1 level and an extension to world-record earnings of about $23.09 million in the feature race worth $20 million.

Romantic Warrior will start in his fifth jurisdiction after returning Group 1 wins in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

If successful in the Saudi Cup, Romantic Warrior will set a record for the most Group 1 wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse. Both he and the retired Golden Sixty have 10 each.

Trained by Danny Shum and to be ridden by jockey James McDonald, the Irish-bred son of Acclamation squares off with Forever Young, Rattle N Roll, Facteur Cheval, Ushba Tesoro, Walk Of Stars, Ramjet, Al Musmak, El Kodigo, Wait To Excel, Wilson Tesoro, Defunded, Intense For Me and Wootton’sun in the nine furlong showdown.

Shum said: “The draw is good. I need to study the field and see how he goes but draw three is better than 13, at least.”

On Wednesday morning at trackwork, Romantic Warrior fired up under his work rider Gary Lau as the home straight was busy with galloping contenders.

“His trackwork is awesome. He’s improving, this horse, even though he is 7 years old. He will run a good race. The horse wanted to go this morning. The grip shoes will be on,” Shum said.

Japanese duo Forever Young and Ushba Tesoro break from barriers 14 and one, respectively.