Japanese thoroughbred Forever Young prepares to conquer the Breeders' Cup Classic, fueled by meticulous training and past international successes. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi is confident in his horse’s ability to handle the challenges at Del Mar.
Expectations for Forever Young in the Breeders' Cup Classic have surged, bolstered by trainer Yoshito Yahagi's confidence following what he describes as a perfect preparation for the race. The talented son of Real Steel has already made headlines this year by winning both the Saudi and UAE Derbys. His only blemish came in May when he finished third in a thrilling photo finish in the Kentucky Derby, narrowly missing out against Kenny McPeek's Mystik Dan and fellow Classic contender Chad Brown's Sierra Leone.
Since that heart-wrenching defeat, Forever Young has been gearing up for a return to America, showcasing his readiness with a strong performance in the Japan Dirt Classic earlier this month. This year’s Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar will see him compete alongside two other Japanese contenders, highlighting the race's international appeal.
Yahagi, who previously celebrated victories at Del Mar with Loves Only You in the Filly & Mare Turf and Marche Lorraine in the Distaff in 2021, expressed optimism about Forever Young's current form. Speaking through an interpreter, he stated, “I am very pleased with his condition and think he's coming into the race off a perfect preparation. It's the opposite of what happened earlier in the year when he went to Saudi and then Dubai ahead of the Kentucky Derby. I think that was too much, but the way he has settled in here at Del Mar is very encouraging."
One concern for Yahagi is how Forever Young will handle the kickback, a challenge he may face during the race. “I don't know how he will handle the kickback which he will probably experience, as he is a horse that gets stronger as the race progresses,” he noted.
As the Breeders' Cup Classic approaches, Forever Young is poised to make a significant impact, and all eyes will be on the Japanese contender as he aims to add to his impressive resume on one of horse racing's biggest stages.
