Globe-trotting Japanese colt Forever Young, an unlucky third behind Mystik Dan in a controversial Kentucky Derby finish, will stay at home before a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 2.
Pioneering trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who recorded a historic Breeders’ Cup double at the California venue three years ago, has earmarked the Japan Dirt Classic on October 2 at Ohi racecourse in Tokyo for the much-travelled colt’s Classic prep. “I want to show him to our Japanese fans,” commented the trainer, speaking to Netkeiba.
A G1 winner at home on Japan’s second-tier NAR (National Association of Racing) circuit as a two-year-old, Forever Young won both the Saudi Derby and the UAE Derby before a hugely creditable effort at Churchill Downs, where he forfeited his unbeaten record only in the tightest of finishes.
The Japan Dirt Classic (former Japan Dirt Derby) for three-year-olds is one of the showpiece events on the NAR calendar, which features mainly dirt racing operated by local governments rather than the better-known Japan Racing Association (JRA).
However, while the feature NAR races carry lucrative purses, they are usually ineligible for international Graded status as they are restricted to domestic horses.
Forever Young was beaten only two noses in the Kentucky Derby after being repeatedly bumped in the stretch by second-placed Sierra Leone. Eyebrows were raised when no stewards’ inquiry was called, and Forever Young’s jockey Ryusei Sakai did not lodge a ‘foul claim’ (objection).
Further fuel was added to the fire when Sierra Leone’s jockey Tyler Gaffalione was fined $2,500 for “touching a rival with his left hand” near the Derby finish.
Trainer Chad Brown claimed Gaffalione was attempting to make room to use his whip in his left hand and thereby keep his mount straight, while Forever Young’s owners said their rider did not protest because “both horses were fighting together”.
Several knowledgeable observers felt Forever Young should have been promoted to second place.
The day after the race, Yahagi’s racing manager Hiroshi Ando put the onus on the stewards. “Claims of foul do not happen much in Japan,” Ando told the Churchill Downs media team. “It is the stewards’ call, not us.”
For his part, Sakai spoke about the controversial finish on his Instagram account. “I was certainly leaned on a number of times, and there were times when I actually lost my balance,” he said.
“However, I felt that Forever Young was able to run to the end because Sierra Leone came alongside me from the outside. I have seen some people saying that Gaffalione grabbed my reins before the finish line, but that is not true.”
Preakness Stakes: Mystik Dan gets green light
Kentucky hero Mystik Dan has finally been confirmed an intended runner in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown at Pimlico on Saturday [May 18].
“All systems go,” said trainer Kenny McPeek after Mystik Dan had trained at Churchill Downs on Saturday. “The horse is doing fantastic. I’ve already arranged the logistics of it all, I just need to hammer it out with all the small details.”
McPeek won a pandemic-delayed Preakness in 2020 with the filly Swiss Skydiver.
Catching Freedom, who was fourth in the Kentucky Derby, has also been confirmed an intended runner in the Preakness with Flavien Prat retaining the ride.
“Obviously we like how he’s doing,” Cox said, speaking on Sunday morning. “It’s just eight days after the Derby. It’s very important to watch the horse. He has been galloping well and I’m happy with the way he’s moving.
“It’s not ideal to run back in two weeks at this level, but that’s the way the schedule is,” he added. “This race provides an opportunity to be very competitive in a Grade 1. We don’t want to miss that opportunity as long as he’s doing well. The Preakness is a very prestigious race. It’s not only a Grade 1 but a Classic.”
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