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| Staff Writer |
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Forever Young is gearing up for a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic, with the Japan Dirt Classic at Oi Racecourse serving as his final prep race. The Yoshito Yahagi-trained colt, who burst onto the international scene earlier this year, is looking to cap off a remarkable season with victory in the US$6 million showpiece at Del Mar on 2 November.
The son of Real Steel has been turning heads since his three-year-old campaign began, notching impressive victories in the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby. His only blemish came in a heart-stopping Kentucky Derby, where he finished a close third behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone.
Forever Young faces 14 rivals in the 2,000-metre contest at Oi, his first outing since Churchill Downs. While the result is secondary to the performance, connections will be keen to see their charge in top form ahead of his American adventure.
The Breeders' Cup Classic is shaping up to be a truly global affair. Ushba Tesoro and Derma Sotogake, both Classic contenders, recently prepped in the Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi. Across the pond, Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien is readying City of Troy for his dirt debut after a stellar European campaign.
The Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic has a rich history of international success. Notable past winners include the French-trained Arcangues in 1993 and Japanese star Knicks Go in 2021. Both horses used their Classic victories as a springboard to further Group One success.
Forever Young's preparation has drawn comparisons to Flightline, who dominated the 2022 renewal. Trainer Yahagi commented, "We've learned from past Japanese runners in the Classic. Forever Young has the talent to compete with the world's best."
Racing fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a clash for the ages on the hallowed Del Mar dirt.