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| Staff Writer |
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Group One glory at Oi has set the stage for Forever Young to launch a fresh international campaign, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi targeting the US$20 million Saudi Cup as his next destination. The 3YO's commanding performance in Sunday's Tokyo Daishoten, despite being only 80% fit, has reinforced his credentials as a potential world-beater.
Under a calculated ride from jockey Ryusei Sakai, the Real Steel colt demonstrated his superiority over Japan's elite dirt performers. Sitting comfortably in second for much of the 2,000-metre contest, Forever Young powered clear in the straight to score by 1¾ lengths from Wilson Tesoro, with Ramjet in third.
The victory gained additional lustre as established performers Ushba Tesoro, Derma Sotogake and Crown Pride could manage only fourth, sixth and seventh respectively. The Tokyo Daishoten, first run in 1954, has previously launched international campaigns for the likes of last year's winner Café Pharoah and 2021 victor T O Keynes.
Yahagi, sporting his trademark fedora in off-yellow, has mapped out an ambitious programme centred on the Gr.1 Saudi Cup at Riyadh on February 22. The race could set up a fascinating rematch with Sierra Leone, who finished ahead of Forever Young in their memorable Breeders' Cup Classic encounter at Del Mar.
Forever Young's credentials for top-level success were established early in 2024 through victories in the Gr.3 Saudi Derby and Gr.2 UAE Derby, before his excellent third-place finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic.
"I believe he had a good lesson in America as to running style," said Yahagi. "I talked with Ryusei, telling him we would stay second the whole way. To be honest, I did not think we would lose. Around the final turn, it looked to me he was not responding very well, and I think it is the issue we have to deal with."
Sakai added: "I think that is the proof that he is not at his best yet. And I think that is the issue he has to overcome in order to become No. 1 in the world... I was sure I would not lose. But I really did give him a 'go' sign, thinking of the big future ahead of him."
Bred by Northern Racing and owned by internet entrepreneur Susumu Fujita, Forever Young represents the finest bloodlines of both Japanese and American breeding, being by Real Steel, a son of Deep Impact, out of Forever Darling, by Congrats.