BREEDERS’ CUP: Forever Young Leads Strong Japan Contingent

In his lone start in North America, Japan’s 3-year-old star, Forever Young, suffered his only career loss when third in a photo finish in the Kentucky Derby (G1). In three weeks, he’ll get his chance at redemption in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) as he heads a record contingent from Japan into the Breeders’ Cup on Nov. 2-3 at Del Mar.

“I felt true frustration after the race in America in the spring, so I’m eager to get my revenge.” Forever Young’s jockey Ryusei Sakai posted on X after he piloted the colt to victory in the Japan Dirt Classic (G1) on Oct. 2.

Forever Young with Ryusei Sakai up wins the UAE Derby at Meydan racecourse, Dubai, UAE 03.30.2024

In the Derby back in May, Forever Young was poised to give Japan a historic victory in the Run for Roses before a roughly contested finish created a three-horse photo with Mystic Dan first, an ornery Sierra Leone second, and Forever Young third.

Given a break back in Japan, Forever Young returned with a 1 ¼-length victory in the Dirt Classic even though he stumbled slightly at the start.

“He was so tired after the Kentucky Derby that he has needed time to recover, trainer Yoshito Yahagi said. “To be honest, I was only able to finish him about 80%.”

Japan will have record number of horses (up to 19) in Breeders’ Cup

Yahagi, known for his colorful race-day hats, won’t be the only one bringing Japan-based contenders to the Breeders’ Cup. In fact, Japan plans to send as many as 19 horses to California which could compete in 11 of the 14 Breeders’ Cup races.

I’m so excited to have 19 JPN horses booked on a plane to the @BreedersCup. I actually ran out of space in cargo & have a waiting list! When I started recruiting runners for the BC I always thought we’d get to a point where we had nice handful yearly. I’ve outdone myself😅 pic.twitter.com/7XYvo8kvAp

— Kate Hunter • ケイトハンター (@KeibaKate) October 2, 2024

The exact number won’t be known until several hurdles are cleared, including quarantine periods, pre-entries, and health checks.

Japan’s juggernaut also includes Derma Sotogake and Ushba Tesoro

Among the most recognizable contenders are Forever Young, 2023 Classic runner-up Derma Sotogake and Ushba Tesoro in the Classic; Crown Pride in the Dirt Mile; Remake in the Sprint; and Shahryar in the Turf after finishing third in last year’s edition at Santa Anita.

Japan’s two BC wins came at Del Mar in 2021

Last year, Japan sent eight horses (the most evet) to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita. In 2021, it was a pair of Yahagi mares that gave Japan its first two Breeders’ Cup wins – the first with She Loves Only You (xxxx) in the Filly & Mare Turf and the second with 49-1 longshot Marche Lorraine in the Distaff.

This time around, Japan could be loaded not only for turf races, but for the dirt races, too.

Quarantines, pre-entries could lower number of Japan entries

Kate Hunter, the Asia field representative for the Breeders’ Cup, said the goal is for all 19 booked on a flight to the U.S. to run, but that could change based on several factors

“We may lose one or two due to uncertainty,’’ Hunter said earlier this week. “Japan is at its peak fall season so if a horse isn’t going to get into a BC race (pre-entries deadline is Oct. 21) it’s best for them to stay home and compete in local races. Leaving Japan pretty much means you lose a month of viable race time at home … so, they’re going to have to make a decision if it still looks tight by the time they enter export quarantine.”

Yahagi eager for Classic Challenge

Forever Young has won six of seven races, including the Saudi Derby (G3) and the UAE Derby (G2), before the loss at Churchill Downs, two noses behind Mystik Dan and a nose behind Sierra Leone.

Yahagi said his colt is set up well for the 1¼-mile Classic.

“He hasn’t lost in Japan yet,” Yahagi said. “But we had a frustrating experience in the spring, so I have a strong desire to get revenge.

“I hope to show off a strong Forever Young again. He will continue to do his best, and I want to win the next in the United States.”