No horse in the short history of the Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup had won the race twice, but Forever Young 's career has always been a study in breaking horse racing's international barriers. He became the first Japan-trained horse to hit the board in the Kentucky Derby. He became the first Japan-trained horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Though Nysos did his best to prevent Forever Young from making more horse racing history, the reigning Japan horse of the year kept finding his class and stamina. Last year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner outstayed the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner, making Forever Young the first horse to repeat in the Saudi Cup.
Thunder Squall, Tumbarumba, and Nysos raced with the front flight early. Though Forever Young has often rallied from well off the pace, he got a more tactical trip this time, tucked behind the leading group inside and in range.
Into the turn, Banishing snuck up inside of Forever Young to challenge inside of Thunder Squall. Nysos remained in range outside of the leading pair, waiting to pounce. Approaching the turn for home Forever Young began to unwind, however, with space to rally between the rail and Banishing.
Nysos was ready to go with him, setting up a throwdown between the top two contenders. Forever Young carried a narrow lead into the lane, and Nysos pestered to his outside. Flavien Prat asked Nysos for everything he had, but Ryusei Sakai was able to keep finding enough from Forever Young, who stayed better in the end and prevailed by a length.
Forever Young paid $2.70 in the World Pool as the 1-5 favorite. He finished the one-turn 1 1/8-mile trip over fast dirt in 1:51.03.
It was another 3 3/4 lengths back to Tumbarumba, formerly based in the U.S. but now owned and trained by Qatari connections. Bishops Bay and Luxor Cafe rounded out the top five. Sunrise Zipangu, Mhally, Banishing, Rattle N Roll, Ameerat Alzamaan, Thundersquall, Nevada Beach, and Haqeet completed the order of finish.
