-©JCSA1.jpg)
By Suleiman Altaf -
The $1million Group 2 UAE Derby provides the winner with a guaranteed spot in the Kentucky Derby and the Japanese have used this as a steppingstone on multiple occasions, most recently with last year’s victor Derma Sotogake. It could be no different this year with multiple Group1-winning trainer Yoshito Yahagi dispatching the unbeaten Forever Young (pictured) for the 1900m event. The son of 2016 Dubai Turf scorer Real Steel has earned the status of a superstar following an incredulous victory in the Saudi Derby in February where he determinedly nailed down Book’em Danno in a last-stride thriller. That came over a mile and arguably he will relish the extra yardage on offer in the UAE Derby with two turns also expected to stride in his favour. Ryusei Sakai, who tasted World Cup night glory in 2022 aboard Bathrat Leon in the Godolphin Mile, will resume his partnership with Yahagi’s pupil. Completing the Japanese trio is 2016 UAE Derby winning trainer Mikio Matsunaga’s Ballon d’Or, George Tesorox.
O’BRIEN RELIES ON DUO FOR FOURTH UAE DERBY SUCCESS
The international challenge also consists of a dual-pronged attack from Irish handler Aidan O’Brien who relies on Group 3 Tyros Stakes scorer Henry Adams and Navy Seal to provide him with a fourth UAE Derby laurel. The former posted modest fourths in both the Group 1 National Stakes as well as the Dewhurst Stakes and can hardly be dismissed with sire No Nay Never providing enough hope for dirt and Galileo on the dam’s side for the extended distance.
PAIR OF TRIPLETS LEAD LOCAL CHALLENGE
A strong local challenge is headed by a pair of triplets from the yards of Bhupat Seemar and Julio Olascoaga. Seemar is represented by UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay Bay, who is by, as the name suggests, 2018 runaway winner Mendelssohn, and impressive 12-length maiden winner Guns And Glory. A pair of colts by 2007 winner Asiatic Boy in Auto Bahn and Oasis Boy, and the 106-rated Uruguayan Group 1 placed Rock Walk form an admirable contingent for Olascoaga. Of his runners, he said: “The three Derby runners come from vastly diverse backgrounds and preparations. The Asiatic Boys (Oasis Boy and Auto Bahn) that spent the season here probably have some advantage in terms of adaptation and track familiarity, but Rock Walk travelled well and has shown a lot of ability in his races in Uruguay.” The 107-rated Pandagate, impressive in the Gander Stakes, for trainer Christopher Clement will be the sole flagbearer for America. Three sons of former UAE Derby winners, a syndicate-owned horse, aspirations for a trip to Churchill Downs and a Japanese superstar; this year’s renewal is all but set to be a cracker.
