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SARGA.CO—As the prestigious Indonesia’s Horse Racing event, the Indonesia Derby, approaches on July 27, 2025, one name is starting to steal the spotlight and is predicted to be the strongest challenger to King Argentin: Wonder Land.

This strikingly elegant horse secured the runner-up position in the previous Triple Crown Series 1 and 2, establishing itself as a real threat to King Argentin on the track.

Wonder Land moves with determination, its head held high. On the saddle, it’s not just a jockey riding, but also the hope of its owner, Dedi, who is experiencing the thrill of owning a racehorse for the first time.

The SARGA.CO team had the chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Deddy. He recalled his first encounter with Wonder Land in Padang, West Sumatra. 

“I didn’t have a hobby with horses at first, but my younger brother was very confident about this horse. He asked to bring Wonder Land to Java, and I said I wasn’t sure, horses in Java are tough, but he told me that if we don’t try, we’ll never know,” Deddy said with a smile. 

That decision led him to an emotional journey with Wonder Land. 

In Triple Crown Series 1, Wonder Land led from the start, dominating the track until the final turn, only to be overtaken by King Argentin 200 meters before the finish line. 

“Believe it or not, I was still proud. Wonder Land gave his all,” Deddy recalled. Then came Triple Crown Series 2, run under rainy weather and a slippery track. Wonder Land once again held strong and stayed close behind King Argentin from start to finish. 

Even Farooq Ali Khan, King Argentin’s trainer, acknowledged Wonder Land’s strength. “Wonder Land is a good horse, but I know Argentine is better,” he told SARGA.CO in a separate interview. A recognition that only strengthened Wonder Land’s place among the elite. 

Though Wonder Land finished second in both races and lost the chance at the Triple Crown, Deddy wasn’t disappointed. On the contrary, he believed more than ever in his horse’s future. 

“The most important thing is that Wonder Land stays healthy, can keep racing, and continues giving his best,” he said. 

Now, Deddy is preparing Wonder Land for the Indonesia National Derby, the most prestigious race that can only be entered by three-year-old horses. The distance is longer, 2,000 meters, a stretch Wonder Land has never raced before. 

Still, Deddy remains confident. “We have to stay optimistic. You have to believe in your horse. We’re the ones who care for him, who feed him. I believe,” he said firmly. 

“My team and I hope that in the Indonesia National Derby, Wonder Land can compete at his best without any issues. No matter the result, we’ll all still be proud of him,” Deddy concluded. 

The Indonesia Derby is just one step away. And behind the cheers, and the relentless thunder of hooves, Wonder Land is expected to run once more, carrying the hope of an owner who never set out to win, but now refuses to stop dreaming.