Hoping for the Best Forever Young (JPN) added another prestigious jewel to his already sterling resume with an alpha-like triumph of the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Saturday at Del Mar. Out to avenge a third-place effort in last year’s running of the world-class contest, Forever Young, under rider Ryusei Sakai, took command at the mile and refused to give in to late pressure from 3-1 choice Fierceness and reigning Classic champion Sierra Leone, for the half-length tally. The 4-year-old Real Steel (JPN) colt has enjoyed a storybook 2025 campaign, with this latest chapter joining a valiant Saudi Cup (Gr. 1) victory on February 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Up to 3-0-1 and $15.1 million in earnings through four starts this year, Forever Young, at 7-2, paid $9 even on Saturday. Diamond in the Rough Not only did Ethical Diamond (IRE) successfully navigate the pressure of racing away from home for the first time – he did it in record fashion against an elite contingent of fellow Europeans. Sent off at 27-1 in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T), Ethical Diamond reached the wire in 2:25.45, 1 ¼ lengths clear of international powerhouse Rebel’s Romance (IRE), to set a new track record. Making the incredible feat even more remarkable, the 5-year-old dark bay was competing in hurdle races earlier this season. Ethical Diamond, working with jockey Dylan McMonagle, certainly looked the part of a racehorse Saturday, defying improbable odds to steal the landmark win. Now standing at 5-1-1 from 15 starts lifetime, Ethical Diamond paid $57.40. All Scylla, No Filler Scylla took control of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) early and never relinquished en route to the 5 ½-length score. In search of a trip to the winner’s circle for the first time since last June’s Fleur de Lis (G2), Scylla found her form on the grand stage for trainer Bill Mott, who had Breeders’ Cup morning-line favourite Sovereignty scratched on Wednesday (October 29). Back on a winning note, Scylla, bred and owned by Juddmonte Farms, is up to 6-5-3 through 16 career starts with nearly $2.3 million banked. At 7-1 in the Distaff, Scylla paid $17.20. Positive Spin After a runner-up finish in last year’s edition of the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Bentornato returned to Del Mar this Saturday to make amends. Operating out of post 10, the determined son of Valiant Minister–Her Special Way moved eagerly to set the pace. Once settled atop the field of 14, Bentornato gradually increased his advantage at every checkpoint to reach the wire 2 ¼ lengths clear of 8-1 foe Imagination. The triumphant outing was especially meaningful for trainer Jose D’Angelo, who won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) with Shisospicy the race prior. Bentornato, for his role in the second leg of the D’Angelo special, paid $5.40. Cy Young Jumping into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) for her first taste of graded stakes action, Cy Fair looked the part of a seasoned veteran, delivering a confident late strike for the momentous victory. Some 26 days after collecting her first stakes win in the bet365 Algonquin at Woodbine, the rookie Not This Time filly found herself taking on some of the world’s top freshman sprinters on Saturday afternoon at Del Mar. The lights, however, were by no means too bright, as Cy Fair closed strong to seal the win by three-quarters-of-a-length. Off to a brilliant start to her young career with three wins and a second from four tries, Cy Fair’s flagship score paid $12. Matthew Lomon Share This:Share
