Satono Voyage, Son of Brazilian Star Jolie Olimpica, Targets Saudi Derby

The Japanese contender faces a deep field at King Abdulaziz, seeking vital points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Satono Voyage moved with ease during morning works in Riyadh / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).– In just six editions, the Saudi Derby (G3-1,600m, dirt, $1.5 million) has evolved from an exotic promise into a strategic fixture on the international stakes map. The race, held on the King Abdulaziz dirt with Kentucky Derby (G1) points on the line, received a major boost when 2024 champion Forever Young (Real Steel) used this platform as a springboard to the elite level. Since then, the world has viewed Riyadh through a different lens.

Three of the six renewals have gone to Japanese interests, and all signs point to the Far East arriving once again with heavy artillery. The name generating the most buzz is Satono Voyage, a son of Into Mischief and winner of three of his four starts in Japan, including the Cattleya Stakes, a race that also offers points toward Churchill Downs.

However, in Satono Voyage’s pedigree, there is a detail that South Americans mention with pride: his dam is the extraordinary Jolie Olimpica, the Brazilian standout who left her mark on tracks in both Brazil and the United States, combining explosive speed with international class. A daughter of Drosselmeyer, the mare has passed on that blend of precocity and competitive mindset that is so highly valued in these types of events.

Trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka, Satono Voyage arrives with the aura of a strong favorite, though the Japanese internal rivalry promises plenty of sparks. Another Tanaka—Junji Tanaka (no relation)—will saddle Best Green, a multiple winner by Smart Falcon with the experience and grit to put up a fight.

From the United States, contenders arrive determined to secure heavy points on the Derby trail. Brad Cox’s team relies on My World, a representative from the first crop of champion Essential Quality, while Steve Asmussen sends Obliteration (Violence), who finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1).

Europe is not to be overlooked. Karl Burke brings over Shayem (King of Change), a Listed winner at Pontefract and victor in three of four starts last year, with James Doyle taking the mount. From France, Gianluca Bietolini pins his hopes on Cielo Di Roma (Romanised), a Listed winner at Deauville, securing the expertise of Mickael Barzalona in the irons.

The Saudi Derby, with its combination of a multi-million dollar purse and qualifying points, represents much more than an exotic adventure today. It is a crossroads where Japan, America, and Europe converge, with their sights firmly set on Churchill Downs. In this intersection, Satono Voyage carries not only the weight of favoritism but also the legacy of Jolie Olimpica—a South American dam whose heart beats again on the world’s grandest stage.

Riyadh provides the stage; the story, however, is yet to be written. And the winner will not just lift a trophy: they will take home a golden ticket to the Kentucky Derby dream.