The Saudi Cup has become a familiar stomping ground for Japanese superstar Forever Young, who has made it his own personal playground for the third consecutive year. But this time, the stakes were higher, and the competition was fierce.
In a thrilling showdown, Forever Young, a seasoned champion, engaged in a battle with America's rising star, Nysos, on the iconic King Abdulaziz Racecourse track. And for the third time, the Japanese marvel emerged victorious, leaving his rivals in the dust.
But here's where it gets controversial: the win dealt a painful blow to trainer Bob Baffert, who has now agonizingly finished second in this prestigious race four times. The prize money? A staggering $10 million for the winner, while second place takes home $3.5 million. Talk about a Valentine's Day to remember!
The race unfolded with both horses biding their time early on in the 1,800-meter contest. As they turned for home, jockey Ryusei Sakai made a bold move, guiding Forever Young along the rail, while Flavien Prat pushed Nysos to challenge from the outside.
And this is the part most people miss: as they approached the 200-meter mark, it became evident that Forever Young was in a league of his own, pulling away from the competition. The final margin of victory was a commanding 1 length, leaving no doubt about his supremacy.
Baffert's pre-race preference for shorter stretches seemed irrelevant as Forever Young clocked an impressive 1:51.03 for the distance. The international pari-mutuel wagering saw him pay $2.70 for a $2 win wager, a testament to his popularity.
Tumbarumba and Bishops Bay trailed behind in third and fourth, respectively, while Rattle N Roll, a previous contender, finished ninth. Nevada Beach, Baffert's second entry, struggled in 12th place.
Forever Young, the 5-year-old son of Real Steel, seemed to have found his stride, making light work of his previous victories. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, known as 'The Man in the Hat', revealed that Forever Young wasn't at his peak, but his confidence grew as the horse approached the stretch.
Baffert couldn't help but acknowledge the jockey's skill, but his words hinted at a future challenge: "Well, even King Kong got beat."
Forever Young's journey began in October 2023, dominating his first three races, culminating in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse. Initially destined for the Kentucky Derby, his connections opted for the Saudi Derby instead, a decision that paid off.
In the Saudi Derby, he overcame a sluggish start to catch Book'em Danno and win by a head. His success continued in the UAE Derby, securing a spot in the Kentucky Derby. There, he finished third in a photo finish, behind Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone.
After a well-deserved break, Forever Young returned to win the Japan Dirt Classic and then placed third in the Breeders' Cup Classic, won by Sierra Leone. He ended the season on a high note with a victory in the Tokyo Daishoten at Oi Racecourse.
The 2025 Saudi Cup was Forever Young's crowning glory. In a thrilling duel, he ceded the lead to Romantic Warrior from Hong Kong before mounting a comeback to win by a neck. Trainer Yahagi attributed his subsequent third-place finish in the Dubai World Cup to pre-race mishaps.
After another break and a prep race in Japan, Forever Young returned to Del Mar to claim the Breeders' Cup Classic, narrowly defeating Sierra Leone.
With the Saudi Cup now part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, Forever Young has secured his place in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.
Nysos, despite his defeat, showcased immense talent, winning seven out of eight races before the Cup. Baffert, determined to fill the Saudi Cup void in his resume, vows to return until he achieves victory.
The question remains: will Forever Young be there to defend his title? Owner Susumu Fujita hints at extending his horse's career for one more shot at Saudi glory.
What do you think? Is Forever Young destined for more Saudi Cup success, or will a new champion emerge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
