DUBAI, twenty eighth March, 2026 (WAM) — A mix of the smaller travelling contingent from Japan than in most up-to-date years and the large shadow forged by Forever Young within the function occasion could each have a component to play in coach Haruki Sugiyama with the ability to hold a comparatively low profile this Dubai World Cup week.
But within the common Gaia Force and constant sprinter Lugal, he has two reputable contenders for Group 1 honours in $5m Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World and Lugal within the $1.5m Al Quoz Sprint sponsored by AZIZI Developments respectively.
A son of Kitasan Black – a horse who was named for his personal placing seems – Gaia Force can have the undoubted help of Ryusei Sakai for the primary time on Saturday, although the widest draw of all in gate 11 will not be that useful for a horse who is usually ridden prominently.
The seven-year-old has been the bridesmaid to a number of top-notchers, ending shut behind the likes of Songline, Romantic Warrior and Jantar Mantar at Grade 1 degree over a mile.
Lugal has loved success on the highest degree, having taken out the 2024 Sprinters Stakes, and has Katsuma Sameshima aboard for the third straight begin.
Sugiyama has been delighted with how the journey has unfolded so far and can have no excuses when it comes to preparations for the pair, ought to issues not play out as hoped.
“Both Gaia Force and Lugal have handled everything exceptionally well as they have travelled abroad before,” says Sugiyama. “They settled into the new environment quickly and have maintained both their weight and appetite throughout the journey.
“This has allowed us to execute our coaching program precisely as deliberate. We are deliberately retaining their coaching depth average; we need to guarantee they don’t seem to be overwhelmed.”
Gaia Force’s fan club will be hoping he can finally get that G1 victory on his record at the age of seven, an omission which Sugiyama feels keenly.
Sugiyama said: “I’m properly conscious of Gaia Force’s immense recognition, each in Japan and internationally. Our final aim is to reward that assist by claiming a Group 1 title with him right here in Dubai.”
Sugiyama has gone again to fundamentals when it comes to getting ready the 2 horses, shouldering a lot of the day-to-day supervision himself.