The five-year-old, already a dual Saudi Cup winner and Breeders’ Cup Classic hero, returned to the Meydan dirt in a steady piece of work alongside stablemate American Stage. Under Yuki Araki, the colt completed a routine lap and a half, with connections expressing quiet satisfaction as the countdown to the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup gathers pace.
Trainer Yoshito Yahagi and jockey Ryusei Sakai, fresh from commitments in Osaka, reunited with their stable star shortly after the morning exercise. A victory this weekend would elevate Forever Young to the status of the highest-earning racehorse in history, surpassing Romantic Warrior, while also offering redemption after last year’s third-place finish behind Hit Show.
Among familiar rivals, Walk Of Stars and Imperial Emperor—both Group 1 winners over the Meydan dirt—continue to shape encouragingly for trainer Bhupat Seemar. The latter, notably fresher than last season, appears poised for a stronger showing.
Dubai World Cup Trackwork Notes: Mullins Eyes Historic Double
In the $6 million Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Irish maestro Willie Mullins seeks an unprecedented March double following his Cheltenham Festival success. His charge Ethical Diamond, a Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, has settled well into his surroundings and is reported to be thriving.
The six-year-old gelding, already a proven performer at York and Royal Ascot, represents a rare crossover from jumps to elite international turf racing. Stable confidence is high, with the horse maintaining a relaxed demeanour in quarantine training.
French contender Calandagan, meanwhile, continues to mature, with connections noting improved composure compared to his previous visit. A light schedule in the coming days will keep him ticking over ahead of a second attempt at the Sheema Classic.
Facteur Cheval returns for another crack at the Dubai Turf, having come agonisingly close two years ago. Though winless since, the seasoned campaigner boasts multiple Group 1 placings across three countries and has acclimatised well alongside stablemate Lazzat.
Sprinters also took centre stage in the Dubai Golden Shaheen build-up, where Tuz aims to reclaim his crown. Now a nine-year-old, the experienced runner has been campaigned more conservatively this season and is expected to strip fitter for his recent outing.
Elsewhere, preparations for the Al Quoz Sprint saw French fillies Rayevka and Monteille work fluently on the turf straight, while Northern Champion continues to impress with his adaptability to shorter distances.
The UAE Derby narrative features an intriguing family link, as Brotherly Love and Heart Of Honor—half-brothers by Ruby Love—represent trainer Jamie Osborne. Both have progressed smoothly through their preparations, with Saffie Osborne set to take the ride in a bid to make history.
Stayers gearing up for the Dubai Gold Cup include Al Nayyir, who has reportedly thrived since his recent success, while Burdett Road continues to build steadily.
In the Godolphin Mile, Bhupat Seemar fields a remarkable six runners, headed by Commissioner King and Mendelssohn Bay, underscoring the depth of local representation.
Finally, defending champion First Classs returns for another tilt at the Dubai Kahayla Classic, having maintained excellent condition following his Saudi Arabia triumph.
With contenders from across the globe converging on Meydan, the stage is set for a vintage renewal of one of racing’s most prestigious nights.
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