By Marcus Townend -
Forever Young booked his ticket to try to become the first Japanese winner of the Kentucky Derby with a comprehensive victory in the $1million UAE Derby.
The Yoshito Yahagi-trained winner pulled clear under Ryusei Sakai with South America challenger Auto Bahn in the final two furlongs with daylight in third until Pandagate stayed into the minor berth to deny Mendelssohn Bay a bronze medal.
Forever Young had come into the race as the hot favourite on the back of two wins in Japan and a last-gasp success in the Saudi Derby over a furlong shorter.
The extra distance had looked like it would play to his strengths and so it proved. He was back in his element over this extra furlong and a half.
Forever Young also travelled much more sweetly into the race, easing into a slot just behind the leaders from his wide 11 draw as the runners settled into back straight positions.
Japan has now won three of the last eight runnings of the UAE Derby including the last three having been successful in 2022 with Crown Pride and with Derma Sotogake 12 months ago.
There was no joy for the European challenge with Aidan O’Brien’s pair Henry Adams and Navy Seal never threatening.
Henry Adams struggled to go the early pace under Ryan Moore on his first start in a Dirt track race and was back-peddling before the home turn.
“My teacher, mentor and father passed away this morning and I want to dedicate this win to him,” Yahagi told the international press in an emotionally charged media conference.
“Of course it will be very difficult to manage the horse's condition (travelling) from Dubai to Kentucky but I really believe my team will be able to get him in good order,” Yahagi said.
Explaining the improvement from his win in the Saudi Derby, Yahagi added: “He did not travel well from Japan to Saudi Arabia so he was not in great condition but he still performed very well.
“After travelling from Riyadh to Dubai he improved and he has so much potential, I always have a lot of confidence in him.”
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