Forever Young adjusts his preparation for the Breeders' Cup Classic and aims to arrive at peak fitness

The Japanese champion completed his first official timed workout since his victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, breezing 800 meters in 52s04/100 at Belmont Park. His connections are prioritizing endurance, with a clear schedule already mapped out leading up to his title defense at Keeneland

ELMONT, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— Speed is not, for now, the primary concern for Forever Young's team. The Japanese champion has already proved he possesses acceleration to spare, and with the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) drawing ever closer, his connections are focused on fortifying his stamina and maintaining the physical condition that carried him to victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on September 18.

The son of Real Steel registered his first official timed workout on Sunday at Belmont Park, covering 800 meters in 52s4/100 under exercise rider Yuki Araki, assistant to trainer Yoshito Yahagi and responsible for much of the colt's daily conditioning. The breeze was progressive, posting an opening 400-meter fraction of 26s93/100 followed by a final quarter in 25s11/100, displaying a turn of foot that left his team well satisfied. Although not asked for a full gallop out past the finish, Daily Racing Form clockers caught him galloping out 1000 meters in 1m5s42/100. Araki explained that the workout ended up slightly quicker than originally planned due to the possibility of midweek rain.

“I decided to breeze him a bit stronger than we had originally intended. He felt good. This morning's exercise was quite impressive,” he commented.

“Afterward I watched the video and saw that he moved very well. When I asked him for a response, he reacted right away and showed that acceleration, even though I barely asked him. He is fulfilling everything we ask of him perfectly.”

Forever Young's training regimen maintains several similarities to the blueprint used prior to the 2025 Breeders' Cup, when the colt arrived from Japan to capture the Classic.

However, the preparation had to adapt to the characteristics of American racetracks. In Japan, horses can train on uphill gallops, whereas at Belmont Park exercises take place on flat surfaces. To offset that difference, Araki designed a demanding routine that incorporates extended warm-ups and sustained work.

On non-breezing days, Forever Young utilizes both the new Tapeta track and a smaller synthetic training track. “I believe he is already in very good physical condition,” Araki assured.

“I can feel it during routine training, because every day we are giving him a fairly demanding program.” The goal remains keeping him at peak fitness without needing to chase eye-catching clockings in every breeze.