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| Staff Writer |
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Forever Young, the globe-trotting Japanese colt who narrowly missed out on victory in the Kentucky Derby, is charting a course towards the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, known for his pioneering efforts in the Breeders' Cup, has chosen the Japan Dirt Classic as the prep race for the seasoned colt. "I want to showcase him to our Japanese fans," remarked Yahagi to Netkeiba.
Despite a contentious finish in the Kentucky Derby, where Forever Young was edged out into third place, the colt's stellar record includes wins in the Saudi Derby and the UAE Derby. His participation in the Japan Dirt Classic, a notable event on Japan's NAR racing circuit, aims to bolster his readiness for the prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic.
While the NAR races offer substantial prize money, they generally lack international graded status due to their restriction to domestic horses. Forever Young's Kentucky Derby performance sparked controversy, with concerns raised over interference during the race. However, no formal protest was lodged by Forever Young's jockey, Ryusei Sakai.
In the aftermath, Sierra Leone's jockey was fined for an infraction, but Forever Young's connections refrained from contesting the result. Despite the contentious nature of the finish, Forever Young's camp remains focused on their next challenge, underscoring the competitive spirit that defines the sport.