Forever Young & Shin Emperor fuel dreams for “the greatest team in the world”

Yoshito Yahagi believes that overwhelming Dubai World Cup favourite Forever Young has taken a step forward from his epic defeat of Romantic Warrior in Riyadh last month, while jockey Ryusei Sakai is determined to make up for some heartbreaking near-misses in 2024. 

Forever Young finished a narrow third in both the G1 Kentucky Derby (2000m) and the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (2000m) during his three-year-old season, while stablemate Shin Emperor – one of the leading contenders for Saturday’s $6 million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) – was also third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m), as well as going down by a neck to Do Deuce when dead-heating for second in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m).  

Looking ahead to the two colts’ major assignments at Meydan on Saturday, Sakai told a packed media conference: “It’s a mixed feeling as obviously there is pressure. But personally I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to ride top-class horses, not only in Japan but also on the world stage.

“Last year  we were unable to win a Group 1 overseas with these two horses but this year we’re coming back to win as many races as possible with them, and perhaps every race.”

Such ambition is shared by his mentor Yahagi who, despite playing up to frequent media mentions of Sakai’s youth by referring to him as “my apprentice”, said that both colts were fine-tuned to produce standout performances on Saturday.

Regarding Forever Young, Yahagi believes the stretch duel with Romantic Warrior has served to sharpen the blade ahead of the G1 Dubai World Cup (sponsored by Emirates Airline).

“Of course he had a tough race and he was a little fatigued for a few days,” said Yahagi. “My staff really did a great job in aiding his recovery and from then the plan was always to come here and compete in the Dubai World Cup. 

“I think the extra 200 metres will be an advantage for him and also going four turns will benefit him.

“I’ve been asked a lot about how he has come out of the race and his overall condition and some people have been concerned. But I actually think that, having experienced that tough race, he has improved another level. I think it’s all positive, I don’t see any negatives.” 

Yahagi caused a ripple of laughter around the conference room when adding: “My young ‘apprentice’ jockey has really improved.