Forever Young wins the Breeders Cup Classic at Del Mar

Forever Young, a Japanese four year old ridden by Ryusei Sakai, captured the 7 million Longines Breeders Cup Classic on Saturday at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, capping two days of international competition at the Breeders Cup World Championships. The Classic, contested over 1 1/4 miles, ran without Sovereignty, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner who was scratched days earlier after developing a fever, trainer Bill Mott said.

The absence of Sovereignty reshaped wagering and race dynamics, but Forever Young produced a decisive performance from post five to win the season's richest U.S. event. Sakai said the draw "is very ideal" for the colt and that the post position should allow a more favorable trip than last year. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi said Forever Young had matured physically and mentally since last season and that the team hopes to run in the Saudi Cup next year.

Saturday’s card supplied a string of high-profile results across surfaces and distances. Irad Ortiz Jr. rode Bentornato to victory in the Cygames Breeders Cup Sprint, leading from the break and finishing 2 1/4 lengths clear. Ortiz also rode Shisospicy to a win in the Prevagen Breeders Cup Turf Sprint...