Forever Young claims Breeders' Cup Classic for Japan

After eventful and unlucky losses in the 2024 editions of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), Forever Young earned a well-deserved first U.S. success Saturday in the $6.37 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, a first for a Japan-based horse.

Despite the midweek withdrawal of pre-race favorite Sovereignty due to a fever, this Classic shaped up as one of the deepest and most compelling in years. In the end, though, it was dominated by the same trio that occupied the top three slots 12 months ago, with only the finishing positions altered.

Forever Young entered the Classic extremely well respected by the betting public. They well remembered how he was roughed up in the final furlong of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, losing by a neck in a three-way photo. They also gave grace for his third in last year's Classic, where he ran admirably after racing close to an extremely hot pace.

More than that, though, they recalled Forever Young's epic battle last February in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), the world's richest race, in which Forever Young just got the better of Hong Kong legend Romantic Warrior, the pair more than 10 lengths ahead of the rest of the field.

While that performance in Saudi Arabia softened Forever Young enough for him to run below par in the Dubai World Cup (G1) in early April, the colt returned to Del Mar fully recovered and off a comfortable prep victory in Japan. Forever Young started the 7-2 second choice in this Classic, only slightly behind in the wagering to the Pacific Classic (G1) winner Fierceness. Sierra Leone, who benefited from the hot pace to win last year's Classic, was a close third choice.

Over a track where it seemingly paid to be on or near the lead most of the day, Forever Young had an ideal trip under Ryusei Sakai. For most of the early part of the race, Forever Young was the closest pursuer to Contrary Thinking, a rabbit entered by the connections of Sierra Leone; thus, he was the first among the leading trio to get the jump after that speedster beat his retreat.

Taking the lead on the far turn, Forever Young opened up a 1 1/2-length advantage in midstretch and held sway as Sierra Leone made a belated bid. Forever Young finished a half-length ahead of the defending champion, while Fierceness finished a length behind in third when unable to muster a strong enough rally.

Preakness (G1) winner Journalism fared best of the three-year-olds, finishing fourth. He was followed by Mindframe, Baeza, Nevada Beach, Antiquarian, and Contrary Thinking.

Owned by Susumu Fujita and trained by Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young paid $9 after completing 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.19 over a fast track.

Forever Young, whose international wins also include the 2024 Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2), has now earned more than $19.3 million from 10 wins in 13 starts. He is by Real Steel, a male line descendant of the 1989 Classic winner and Horse of the Year Sunday Silence. Forever Young's dam, Forever Darling, is a daughter of Congrats and was a Grade 3 winner in the U.S.

Forever Young's second dam, stakes winner Darling My Darling, is also the second dam of Sierra Leone, through her Grade 1-winning daughter Heavenly Love. This female family also includes another Japanese star, Zenno Rob Roy.

Forever Young is expected to remain in training in 2026. Suffice it to say he's made his mark the world over as Japan's most prolific dirt-running export.

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