Forever Young Shines in Japan Dirt Classic, Eyes Breeders' Cup Classic

Forever Young passed his final test for the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) with an impressive victory in the Japan Dirt Classic at Oi Racecourse on Oct. 2. The Real Steel colt, making his first start since finishing third in the Kentucky Derby (G1), won by 1 1/4 lengths after overcoming a slight stumble at the start. Settling comfortably behind the early leader, Forever Young needed minimal urging from jockey Ryusei Sakai to secure the win, with runner-up Mikki Flight posing no serious threat.

Sakai expressed relief after the race, confident in his mount's ability. "I didn't want to be inside, but once he settled in second, his rhythm was perfect. I was cautious until the end, knowing the competition was strong," Sakai said.

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, known for his distinctive race-day hats, shared his satisfaction with the win, noting that while confident in Forever Young's experience, he was impressed by the colt's performance against a strong field.

Forever Young, now a winner of six out of seven starts, is poised for the Breeders' Cup after earlier successes in the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2). Yahagi emphasised that the colt, following a break to recover from the Kentucky Derby, is only reaching his peak form now.

The colt will enter quarantine on Oct. 14 and fly to the U.S. on Oct. 22, where Yahagi hopes to replicate his 2021 Breeders' Cup success with Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine.