Forever Young and Shin Emperor are gearing up for an exciting showdown at the Dubai World Cup, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai determined to make their mark. After an impressive victory over Romantic Warrior in Riyadh, Forever Young enters the race with high expectations, while Shin Emperor looks ready to take a major step forward on the international stage.
Throughout his three-year-old campaign, Forever Young consistently proved his talent, finishing third in both the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His stablemate, Shin Emperor, also had a strong season, placing in the Irish Champion Stakes and coming heartbreakingly close to victory in the Japan Cup. Now, as they prepare for their respective races at Meydan, their team is focused on securing long-awaited wins.
Jockey Ryusei Sakai, recognizing the pressure, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at this level. He remains committed to making the most of this season, aiming to convert last year’s close finishes into victories. Yahagi, ever the strategist, emphasized that both horses are in peak form, having been meticulously prepared for their upcoming challenges.
Forever Young’s battle with Romantic Warrior in Riyadh has only strengthened his resolve. Yahagi believes the added distance and the four-turn layout of the Dubai World Cup will work to his advantage. While some have questioned whether the tough race in Riyadh took a toll, Yahagi is confident that the experience has actually enhanced his form, making him an even stronger contender.
The relationship between Yahagi and Sakai is built on mutual trust and ambition. With a touch of humor, Yahagi often refers to Sakai as his apprentice, but the respect they share is clear. Their entire team is aligned in their mission to achieve greatness on the global racing stage, and Yahagi firmly believes he has the best team in the world.
While Shin Emperor has yet to secure a Group 1 victory, his performance in the Neom Turf Cup demonstrated his growing potential. Yahagi noted that the horse has adapted well to Dubai but required a slightly more intense training session to ensure he is fully prepared for the Sheema Classic.
Looking beyond Dubai, Forever Young’s future remains open-ended. There is a strong possibility that he will continue racing at five, with a return to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the horizon. Discussions are also underway about testing his abilities on turf before the end of his career. Meanwhile, Shin Emperor is likely to compete in Britain this summer, with the International Stakes at York serving as a stepping stone to another shot at the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
For Japanese racing fans, the Dubai World Cup holds a special place. The race gained widespread admiration after Victoire Pisa’s emotional victory in 2011, a moment that brought hope to Japan during a difficult time. If Forever Young meets expectations on Saturday, it will further strengthen Japan’s connection to this iconic event.
