Japan has been steadily growing as a force in international horse racing and Saturday added another big accomplishment to its record by winning the $20 million Saudi Cup, the richest horse race in the world. Panthalassa took the lead out of the gate and held off a furious closing rally by Country Grammer to win by three-quarters of a length. It was the third straight year Baffert's entry has finished second in the race. Country Grammer was passed just before the wire last year and Charlatan was second in 2021. Baffert plans to send Country Grammer to the March 25 $12 million Dubai World Cup, a 1 1/4-mile race he won last year.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 25, 2023 22:33 UTC