Hold onto your hats, racing fans, because Forever Young is rewriting the record books in Saudi Arabia! For the third consecutive year, this Japanese superstar has claimed victory in the prestigious Saudi Cup, leaving rivals in the dust and cementing his legacy as a true champion. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: his dominance isn't just about winning—it's about how he wins, and who he beats along the way.
On February 14th, under the glowing lights of King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Forever Young engaged in yet another thrilling stretch duel, this time against America’s formidable Nysos. With jockey Ryusei Sakai expertly guiding him along the rail, Forever Young surged ahead, securing a one-length victory that left Nysos—and his legendary trainer Bob Baffert—in second place for the fourth time in this race. Ouch. That’s got to sting, especially considering the $10 million winner’s share that slipped through Baffert’s fingers. Again.
But is Baffert’s repeated heartbreak a testament to Forever Young’s greatness, or a sign of something more controversial? Some might argue that Baffert’s consistent second-place finishes highlight a strategic flaw, while others see it as a badge of honor for Forever Young’s relentless consistency. What do you think? Let’s debate this in the comments!
Forever Young’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. A 5-year-old son of Real Steel, he burst onto the scene in 2023, winning his first three starts and finishing the year with a victory in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun. His connections initially aimed for the Kentucky Derby, but a detour to the 2024 Saudi Derby changed everything. Despite looking sluggish early on, he rallied to defeat Book'em Danno by a head, proving his ability to close under pressure. A month later, he dominated the UAE Derby (G2), earning his ticket to the Kentucky Derby, where he finished a close third in a photo finish.
And this is the part most people miss: Forever Young’s victories aren’t just about speed—they’re about resilience. After a long rest, he returned to win the Japan Dirt Classic, placed third in the Breeders' Cup Classic, and capped off the season with a win in the Tokyo Daishoten (G1). His signature moment came in the 2025 Saudi Cup, where he outdueled Hong Kong’s Romantic Warrior in a nail-biting finish, proving he could handle the best from around the globe.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, affectionately known as “the Man in the Hat,” has now won three of the seven Saudi Cup runnings, including this latest triumph. “He’s still not 100%,” Yahagi admitted, “but when he hit the stretch, I knew he’d deliver.” Baffert, ever the competitor, couldn’t help but acknowledge Forever Young’s prowess: “That jockey rides him with so much confidence. Even King Kong got beat.”
Forever Young’s latest victory not only secured his spot in this fall’s Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland but also sparked a bold question: Is retirement still on the table, or will we see him defend his title in next year’s Saudi Cup? Owner Susumu Fujita hinted at the latter, suggesting a potential extension to his racing career. “I’m delighted with how he won,” Fujita said. “The plan was to retire him at the end of the year, but another Saudi Cup might be too tempting to resist.”
Meanwhile, Nysos’s performance, though a loss, was nothing short of remarkable. Baffert’s project horse, with a career marred by setbacks, arrived in Saudi Arabia fresh off wins in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2). His second-place finish here is a testament to his talent and Baffert’s training prowess. But will Baffert finally break his Saudi Cup curse? “It’s a hole in my résumé,” he admitted. “If we don’t get it done this year, we’ll keep coming back.”
Here’s the million-dollar question: Can anyone stop Forever Young’s Saudi reign, or is he simply too good? And if Baffert returns, will he finally claim the prize that’s eluded him? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts below!
