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Forever Young aims to be the inaugural horse to clinch victory in both the prestigious Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup, thus achieving a remarkable double.
He already boasts a pair of Gulf victories under his belt, including wins in the Saudi Derby and the UAE Derby last year. However, achieving triumph in the prestigious $12 million Dubai World Cup race at Meydan this Saturday would undoubtedly cap off an extraordinary achievement for the talented Japanese jockey.
Forever Young boasts an outstanding record with eight wins and two thirds out of his total of ten career races. His second placements came in the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic, which are both Grade 1 events.
The Real Steel foal impressively won the race. $20 million Saudi Cup In his final appearance on February 22, he narrowly defeated the nine-time Group/Grade 1 champion Romantic Warrior by just a head following an extended contest in the latter stages of the 1,800-meter race.
The four-year-old horse is comfortably positioned at Gate 5, amidst an 11-horse race lineup. His trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, stated this was "not a worry," despite having wished for a more exterior starting position.
Yahagi recognized that his top horse has a significant challenge ahead to achieve the Saudi-UAE double, but he anticipates that the steed will put forth its best effort.
"Certainly, he faced a challenging race at the Saudi Cup, and as expected, he felt somewhat exhausted for several days afterward. However, my team performed admirably in helping him recover. From that point onwards, our strategy has been focused on coming here and participating in the Dubai World Cup," Yahagi stated.
I believe those additional 200 meters will work to his advantage, as well as navigating the four turns at Meydan benefiting him.
I've received numerous questions regarding his withdrawal from the competition and his general well-being, with many expressing concern. However, I believe that going through such a challenging race has elevated him to an even higher level. Everything seems beneficial to me; I can't identify any drawbacks.
Ryusei Sakai, his jockey, expressed mixed emotions about riding both horses during the evening; he will partner with Shin Emperor, his stablemate, for the prestigious $6 million Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic.
"There is undoubtedly pressure, however, personally, I am very grateful for the chance to mount high-quality horses both in Japan and on an international level," he stated.
Last year, we couldn't secure a victory in a Group 1 competition abroad with these two horses, but this year we aim to return and win as many races as possible with them, maybe even all of them.
In horse racing, even the top horses may experience an unremarkable performance someday, as stated by the 2024 Dubai World Cup-winning trainer. Bhupat Seemar .
He might just be among the top horses globally," stated the head of Zabeel Stables about Forever Young. "Still, he could have an off day too. That's exactly what horse racing is like. You must participate to stand a chance at winning.
Seemar, who was the first local trainer to claim the prestigious award slightly more than a year ago, with Laurel River managed by Tadhg O'Shea Representing the silk trappings of Saudi Arabian owner Juddmonte, the entry fields consist of both Walk Of Stars and Imperial Emperor.
"It's regrettable that Laurel River isn't present to defend his championship," Seemar stated following the last training session for his two horses on Friday.
We have two excellent drivers who enjoy the circuit; they've shown their capabilities here before, and I'm really pleased with how my team is performing.
Imperial Emperor is getting better. He enjoys this course, and I am pleased with his post position. He has triumphed when starting from gate 13 before, so being in gate 10 shouldn’t pose an issue. He is straightforward and easy to handle—exactly what a jockey hopes for.
Walk of Stars enjoys his environment. He is an extremely peculiar horse. It took him three years to begin winning races once more. If he chose to, he might come in second place against Tuz in a 6-furlong [1,200m] race. Despite having immense talent, he remains quite eccentric.
He didn't handle his time in Saudi Arabia too well. He shed a significant amount of weight, and he seemed extremely anxious. However, he has remarkable endurance.
The Imperial Emperor has been selected as the mount for experienced jockey O'Shea, who boasts an impressive record as both a 12-time UAE champion and the nation’s top rider with a total of 826 victories under his belt.
Impressively, he won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic in his most recent race a month back, and another such performance could put him in contention against Forever Young tonight.
Taking up the Japanese challenge in the race are Noboru Takagi with his team consisting of Ushba Tesoro and Wilson Tesoro, along with Shozo Sasaki’s horse named Ramjet. Each of these competitors crossed the finish line after Forever Young at the Saudi Cup.
Under Godolphin’s jockey William Buick, Rattle N Roll leads the American challenge which also comprises Hit Show, Mixto, Il Miracolo, and Katanah.