Forever Young dominant in Jockey Club Gold Cup

Showing some signs of rust in the eyes of his trainer, but not enough to lose, Forever Young tuned up Friday for his Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) title defense with a powerful display in the $935,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), the feature on opening day at the refurbished Belmont Park.

Unraced since finishing second to Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup (G1) on March 28, the reigning champion older male raced wide throughout but proved too classy for his rivals, recording a 3 1/4-length decision as an odds-on choice.

The 1 1/4-mile Gold Cup lost three starters since entries were taken, including Chunk of Gold, who was projected to show speed against two-time Suburban (G2) winner Phileas Fogg. Despite the tactical advantage, and a lead of 2 1/2 lengths over Forever Young at the quarter pole, Phileas Fogg capitulated rather quickly in upper stretch. 

Under regular rider Ryusei Sakai, Forever Young opened up readily approaching the eighth pole and won comfortably in a time of 2:01.23 over a track rated fast. Owned by Fujita Sasumu, Forever Young returned $2.96.

Stars and Stripes, the longest shot in the field of four, rallied to finish second by 4 3/4 lengths over Baeza, a habitual slow starter who again lost contact with the leaders early. Phileas Fogg trailed home last, beaten nearly 15 lengths.

Despite the convincing win, trainer Yoshito Yahagi was not overly pleased with the way Forever Young came out on top.

“I’m not satisfied with how he ran today,” he said. “The six-month spell made that happen because normally he switches leads.

“We will fly from here to Keeneland on October 20, so we will prepare here.”

The Gold Cup was the 12th win in 16 career starts for the Japan-based son of Real Steel, who has also recorded wins in two editions of the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1). Tokyo Daishoten (G1), UAE Derby (G2), and Saudi Derby (G3). In his first two U.S. appearances, Forever Young missed by a head in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) and third in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Yahagi said he felt Forever Young was only 80% fit for the Gold Cup. He figures tough to handle in the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Classic when presumably at full strength.