Defending champion Forever Young (JPN) completed the final major stage of preparation for Saturday’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) with a smooth half-mile breeze at Keeneland on Wednesday morning. The Japanese star covered the distance in :50 1/5 under the watchful eye of trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who expressed satisfaction with the horse’s condition ahead of the highly anticipated contest.
Working alongside stablemate American Stage, who is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Forever Young went through his final tune-up without any apparent concerns. The session offered an encouraging sign for the defending champion as the countdown to Saturday’s race continues.
Yahagi described the workout as an ideal final preparation, praising both the horse’s movement and the quality of the exercise.
“It was a perfect gallop,” Yahagi said. “The jockey gave a perfect ride. The horse is moving beautifully. I’m very satisfied.”
Forever Young Shows Promising Form Ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Classic
With his final major workout complete, Forever Young appears to be in good condition for the challenge ahead. His connections will now look towards Saturday’s race with confidence, encouraged by the ease with which the champion completed his preparation.
The Japanese runner returns to the Breeders’ Cup Classic after capturing the prestigious title last year. His latest workout suggests that the team has achieved its immediate objective of bringing him to the race in a fresh and comfortable condition.
Yahagi reiterated that there were no concerns surrounding the horse’s fitness, highlighting the importance of maintaining that condition in the final days before the race.
“There is no concern about the horse’s condition,” Yahagi said. “He is very fresh.”
Forever Young’s preparation at Keeneland has therefore concluded on a positive note. The defending champion will now head towards Saturday’s $7 million contest, where he will attempt to retain the title against a strong international field.
For Yahagi and his team, the priority will be to ensure that the Japanese star carries his present condition into race day. His smooth final breeze has provided an encouraging conclusion to the build-up, leaving the champion ready for another major test on the international racing stage.
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