Yes. Forever Young is for real!
And headed to the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) after an impressive victory in the $2.5 million UAE Derby (G2) on Saturday at Meydan Racecourse.
And he’s likely to be among the favorites as Japan seeks its first victory in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4.
Forever Young
Unlike the Saudi Derby (G3), when Forever Young was all out in the stretch to edge Book’em Danno at the wire, his run in the UAE Derby was much different. He was fitted with a face covering to protect him from any sand kickback from the track surface, and Forever Young ran smoothly throughout the 1 3/16 mile race.
The winning time was 1:57.89 over a fast track.
Forever Young was the 1-2 favorite and returned $3.20 for a $2 win bet in the World Pool.
Yahagi is back on the international stage once again. At the 2021 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, wins with Marche Lorraine (Distaff) and Loves Only You (Filly & Mare Turf) were firsts for Japan at the world championships. He also won the 2023 Saudi Cup with Panthalassa.
Japan is likely to have a second Derby runner in T O Password, the leader on the Japan road to the Derby.