Forever Young might try for third Saudi Cup before retiring

ELMONT, N.Y. - Forever Young won’t remain in training long enough to race in the 2027 Breeders’ Cup, but there is a chance he could race again in the early part of next year, trainer Yoshito Yahagi said Friday.

When asked about his thoughts about Belmont Park as a host for the Breeders’ Cup in 2027, Yahagi said, “Unfortunately, I don’t have a horse to bring over to the Breeders’ Cup next year, so would you mind giving me a good horse to train?”

Yahagi said that Forever Young would “not run next year in the autumn time” but didn’t rule out a potential try at a three-peat in the $20 million Saudi Cup in February.

“Maybe,” Yahagi said.

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Forever Young will seek a repeat in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31. First, though, he will run in Friday’s Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, a race that tops the nine-race opening-day card.

Yahagi arrived in New York on Wednesday and was at Belmont Park on Thursday morning to watch Forever Young gallop once around the Belmont main track, his final training session before Friday’s race.

“I’m like speechless; you guys see the horse every day, that’s exactly how I feel, same as you guys,” Yahagi said.

Yahagi laughed when asked about Forever Young’s five-furlong workout in 1:02.01 here on Tuesday which included a final three furlongs in 34.08 seconds.

“I realize he’s an amazing horse,” he said. “Wow! A fantastic workout.”

Forever Young has only raced twice this year, winning the Saudi Cup in February and finishing second to Magnitude in the Dubai World Cup in March. Yahagi believes Forever Young has raised his game from last year when he won the three of four starts, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.

“There are not many horses that improve from 4 to 5, but Forever Young has improved from 4 to 5, especially from spring to now, I believe one more level up,” Yahagi said.

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