The 5-year-old colt Nysos, long hyped as a potential superstar, faces a critical test in this weekend's Group 1 Saudi Cup. After overcoming setbacks and returning with a gritty Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile victory, he meets world-class competition for the first time over a longer distance. The race pits him against Japan's Forever Young, the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner.
Nysos burst onto the scene two years ago with two dazzling juvenile victories by a combined 19 lengths, followed by a dominant 3-year-old debut that made him the top-rated male in his age group. However, repeated setbacks sidelined him for 15 months, raising doubts about his future. He resurfaced in 2025 with five starts, culminating in a head victory over stablemate Citizen Bull in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile as the heavy favorite.
His only career loss came in last year's Churchill Downs Stakes (G1), a neck defeat on a sloppy track against Grade 1 winners after his long layoff. Since then, four grinding wins followed, including the recent Pincay Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, though against less formidable rivals like Nevada Beach and Citizen Bull.
The Saudi Cup represents uncharted territory for Nysos, stretching him over a true distance against global talent. Chief among them is Forever Young, returning from a historic Breeders’ Cup Classic triumph over Sierra Leone and Fierceness. This marks the start of Forever Young's final season, leading to the Dubai World Cup and a grass farewell in Japan.
In broader rankings, Nysos holds third among older dirt males, behind Skippylongstocking, who won the Pegasus World Cup (G1), and Sovereignty, a Travers (G1) victor and Kentucky Derby winner. The race's narrative centers on Nysos versus Forever Young, with others like Nevada Beach vying for minor placings. A strong performance could silence doubters and affirm years of anticipation.
