JAPAN SNARES RICHEST RACE

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 ($34.10) 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.

Country Grammer, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Frankie Dettori, would have caught Panthalassa if the 1,800-meter race (about 11⁄8 miles) at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were just a few strides longer.

“I always worry about the stretch being too long, but Saturday it was too short,” Baffert said from his home in La Cañada Flintridge.

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.

“I thought this was going to be our year with two good horses,” Baffert said. “But as long as they run it every year, we’ll keep trying.”

Baffert’s other entry, Taiba, finished a disappointing eighth and never threatened the leaders.

Jockey “Mike Smith said he never got into rhythm and he was struggling with the track,” Baffert said. “He just didn’t bring his A game.”

Elsewhere

Confidence Game ($39), trained by Southern California-based Keith Desormeaux, won the $1 million Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., by one length to earn 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Red Route One finished second and Reincarnate was third.