Japan: Breeders' Cup Classic next for Forever Young after Nippon TV Hai Stakes win
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Forever Young romped to an easy win in Wednesday’s $457,700 Nippon TV Hai Stakes at Funabashi Racecourse in Tokyo, Japan, a prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
Forever Young was third in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2024.
On Wednesday, Forever Young, ridden confidently by Ryusei Sakai, closed from fifth in a field of 10 to take the lead with slightly more than a furlong remaining. Forever Young won by 2 1/2 lengths over Revontulet, who also stalked pacesetter Light Warrior.
The first two finishers are trained by Yoshito Yahagi.
Forever Young, the 1-10 favorite in Japan, ran 1 1/8 miles on the left-handed track in 1:52.20. The Nippon TV Hai Stakes was Forever Young’s first start since a third behind Hit Show in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in April. In February, Forever Young won the $20 million Saudi Cup in Saudi Arabia.
A 4-year-old Japanese-bred colt by Real Steel, Forever Young has won 8 of 12 starts.
Forever Young is being given a preparation for the BC Classic similar to a schedule followed in 2024 when he had one start after the Kentucky Derby – a win in the Japan Dirt Classic in early October.
In the BC Classic at Del Mar last November, Forever Young finished 2 3/4 lengths behind Sierra Leone.
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