The connections Rachel King made in Japan earlier this year paved the way for her historic trip to America this weekend.

King rode in the ‘land of the rising sun’ in January and February and is booked to ride Satono Carnival for renowned Japanese trainer Noriyuki Hori in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT).

But King won’t have much time to enjoy the California sun afterwards as he’ll be flying quickly to Melbourne to compete in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

“It’s pretty special to be racing in these two big meetings so close together,” King told Racing.com from the USA.

“I didn’t realize it until it was revealed in the media that I was the first Australian to qualify for the Breeders’ Cup. I guess it’s a tough time of year for Australians, during the Spring Carnival, but it was definitely an experience I couldn’t pass up.”

“It’s been a great experience already, I’ve been here for a few days now and I’m looking forward to Friday and then getting back to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup.

“I think it’s a unique journey combining these two races, but I’m looking forward to it.”

WATCH: King is starting to feel the Satono Carnival this week

Satono Carnival @BreedersCup Juvenile Turf competitor breezes through the turf @DelMarRacing. @RachelK11 in irons. pic.twitter.com/bizleArNl9

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) 28 October 2024

Following his time in the US, King is booked to ride The Map in next week’s Melbourne Cup, whom he has never ridden before but came through one of his colleagues in the jockey’s room.

“I was actually fortunate to be able to connect to this horse through Jamie Kah, she kind of put my name forward on this journey,” King explained.

“Jamie and I get on really well so it was nice to get a bit of a vote of confidence too, obviously he was very interested in the horse and looking at his form and watching the replays, he seems like a complete stayer, he’s already got a good record around Flemington, he’ll love the 3200m and the back on his back “50 kilos is too big.”

WATCH: Map’s run in the Geelong Cup

King has recently demonstrated a ‘saddle, he’ll travel’ approach, and will continue later this year until 2025.

“It’s been a busy 12-18 months with a lot of travel,” he said.

“Obviously it’s America now, I’m going back to Melbourne and then I’m going back to Hong Kong for the jockey challenge for international week, then I’m going back to Japan for two months in January and then I’ll be back for 2019. The start of Sydney Carnival is March head of the bear.

“I have enjoyed some travelling, this year has been very special, it was a big deal for me to get back to Royal Ascot and ride there and I think every time I go it helps my riding and furthers my career.

“This is an experience I enjoy.”

Satono Carnaval is at $11 in Sportsbet’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf market, while The Map is at $26 for the Melbourne Cup.