Forever Young’s Quest for the Double to Begin from Post 6 in the Saudi Cup

The Japanese champion and defending titleholder secured a favorable starting position this Saturday for the world’s richest race

Forever Young: The horse capturing nearly every gaze in Riyadh / JCSA

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (From a special correspondent).— The ballot has spoken and the die is cast. At the imposing King Abdulaziz Racecourse, the post-position draw for the Saudi Cup (G1-1800m, dirt, US$20,000,000) has begun to play its own race—one run in silence, amidst glances, calculations, and statements that hint at both expectations and fears. The central piece of news: the Japanese crack Forever Young will defend his crown breaking from post position 6.

The reigning champion was one of the last to receive his placement. There were only five or six numbers remaining when his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, made the decision. He did not hesitate for long. “I think six is a good number,” he stated firmly. “We don’t have to change anything in our tactics.” The phrase, simple on the surface, carries a clear statement of intent: the plan is set, and the draw will not force a change in strategy.

However, the conditioner also revealed the human side of the story. “Honestly, I feel a lot of pressure on my shoulders for bringing the defending champion,” he confessed. Defending a title in the world's richest race is no small feat. “But Forever Young feels no pressure at all,” he quickly added, shifting the burden onto himself and freeing his pupil from any extra weight. The contrast between the horse's serenity and the trainer's responsibility paints the atmosphere surrounding the Japanese representative.

From the United States, attention turned to the multiple champion Bob Baffert, who landed here with Nysos (Nyquist), one of the names commanding the most respect. The colt will break from the 12-hole, far outside, under the guidance of Flavien Prat. Far from showing concern, Baffert was categorical: “I’d rather be outside than inside.” In a 14-runner field with a long stretch run, the trip can be the deciding factor.

“As long as the horse shows up, that’s the most important thing,” continued the Hall of Famer, focusing on performance over the number. He went further in describing his trainee: “I think he’s a really good horse; he’s always shown brilliance, he’s a fighter, and he knows where the wire is. From out there, he’ll have a clean trip.” The confidence is absolute and the message clear: if Nysos runs to his level, post 12 will not be an obstacle.

Baffert also weighed in on stall 7, which went to Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), to be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.. “Seven is good for Nevada Beach as well. We just didn’t want the one,” he explained, hinting that an inside position creates more questions than answers in a field of such caliber.

The seasoned Rattle N Roll (Connect), fifth in last year's edition, will break this time from post 11 with Joel Rosario for the Kenny McPeek stable. He will seek redemption from a slightly more external point than in 2024, when he started from post 7.

Among the Japanese contingent, Sunrise Zipangu (Kizuna) received gate 1, with Oisin Murphy confirmed in the irons. History offers an encouraging precedent: in 2023, Panthalassa (Lord Kanaloa) won from that very spot. On that occasion, Yahagi celebrated in grand style. Will the magic repeat itself?

Another strong name from the Asian block, Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah), trained by Noriyuki Hori, will start from post 10, also on the outside. Meanwhile, the local hope Mhally (Sergei Prokofiev) will break from post 13, and his connections did not hide their satisfaction. “We are very happy with that draw; we wanted something on the outside,” assured Sheikh Faisal Al Sabah, son of the owner. “Hopefully, he shows it on Saturday,” he added, with hopes intact.

Banishing (Ghostzapper), described as a horse with a “heart of gold,” will break from post 3; Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo) will do so from the 9; Star Of Wonder (Uncle Mo) will occupy post 5—the same stall from which Emblem Road (Quality Road) stunned the world in his historic victory; Haqeet (Arrogate) will start from post 2 with Mickael Barzalona; Ameerat Alzamaan (Ghaiyyath), with the mount of Ryan Moore, will break from post 4; Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance) will go from the 8; and Thundersquall (Dubawi) will have post 14, the widest of them all.

With the stalls now assigned, the seventh edition of the Saudi Cup begins to take its final shape. Forever Young has the 6 and the backing of a team that does not plan to alter its script. Yahagi assumes the pressure; the champion, oblivious to it all, only needs to do what he does best. On Saturday, when the gates open in Riyadh, we will know if that number, chosen among the last, ends up being the one for another golden page in the history of the world's most multi-million dollar race.