Horse Profile: Ushba Tesoro

Breeders' Cup Turf Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report) 

Fifth in last year’s Classic at Santa Anita, Ushba Tesoro hopes for better luck with the venue switch to Del Mar. Jockey Yuga Kawada reportedly said that Del Mar would suit him better. But the deep closer will still need help to chase down the principals.

On the plus side, Ushba Tesoro is by the same sire as Marche Lorraine, who stunned the 2021 Distaff here. They’re both by Orfevre, the Japanese Triple Crown winner and Arc near-misser.

Ushba Tesoro spent most of his career as an allowance-class turf performer, only experiencing a metamorphosis when trying dirt. The robust bay turned into a win machine at home and extended his skein in his first international foray in the 2023 Dubai World Cup (G1). Rested that summer, Ushba Tesoro made it six straight in last year’s Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi. 

His streak was snapped in the Breeders’ Cup, where Ushba Tesoro flattened out attempting to rally from last in a 12-horse field. The 3.80-1 chance improved position on the long run down the backstretch and into the far turn, but making up nearly six lengths at that stage arguably detracted from his late punch. 

Ushba Tesoro got no nearer than fourth in the stretch, ultimately losing that spot and settling for fifth. Trainer Noboru Takagi reportedly said that Ushba Tesoro tried very hard, but found it too tough to close effectively over the surface. 

Turning the page at home, Ushba Tesoro came right back to repeat in the about 1 1/4-mile Tokyo Daishoten (G1). His relentless charge down the center of the track carried him past Wilson Tesoro and Dura Erede, who were reprising their placings from the Champions Cup (G1) earlier in December. 

Ushba Tesoro has since contracted a case of seconditis. The one-turn configuration of the about 1 1/8-mile Saudi Cup (G1) figured to be against him, especially after he dropped back to a long-way last. But he still delivered his trademark late flourish, only to be headed by Senor Buscador on the line.

In his Dubai World Cup title defense, Ushba Tesoro never had a chance when front-running Laurel River turned in a freakish performance. Once again he produced a strenuous rally from last, this time outfinishing Senor Buscador. 

As in 2023, Ushba Tesoro took the summer off and resurfaced in the Sept. 25 Nippon TV Hai. But the defending champion didn’t get the right set-up at Funabashi. The enterprising William Barows stole the about 1 1/8-mile affair on the front end, under Forever Young’s jockey Sakai. Ushba Tesoro, who raced at about the midpoint of the 13-horse field early, closed well but came up a length short. 

If Ushba Tesoro doesn’t have the same dirt monster swagger of a year ago, he remains a top-caliber campaigner eligible to get involved if the pace is torrid. For a horse who dislikes heat, Del Mar could be a more congenial environment than Arcadia. Unlike his Mideast ventures when the main events were held at night, he had to race in the 83-degree sunshine in last year’s Classic.