Forever Young, the surprise packet that was thrusted into the spotlight in the Singapore Guineas, is back for more as he returns from a short break this Sunday.

The US-bred by little-known sire Run Away And Hide was considered as the dark horse in the third Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge, but against two-Leg winner Countofmontecristo and the other top guns Jupiter Gold and Could Be Pearls, not many would have put the farm on him getting past these three.

But under an inspired ride by jockey Benny Woodworth, Forever Young was punched out from his wide barrier to settle on the running rail before stealing a march on them with a bravado that belied his long $71 odds and status as the underdog.

 

However, trainer Kuah Cheng Tee was probably one of the rare few who half-expected such a stellar run from the Hong Kong-owned galloper in the Group 1 race over the mile.

From Day 1, he detected above-average qualities, which indeed came to the fore in two brilliant wins in lesser divisions, but the one performance that cemented that belief further was Forever Young’s rousing fourth to Lim’s Cruiser in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) – the run that spurred him to enter him in the Guineas with the upshot we all know.

It would appear that Kuah’s faith in his “lion-hearted” horse has not abated the least bit, even if a slight post-race soreness did cast a pall. Forever Young is one of 11 nominations in Sunday’s $100,000 Open Benchmark 83 race over 1400m.

“He pulled up a bit sore after the Guineas win, but he’s 100% now,” said the Singaporean handler.

“I was looking at a Kranji Stakes A race over 1600m but he was too fit and fresh as it’s been five weeks since the Guineas, and I had to find a race for him. I preferred 1600m first-up, but 1400m will do.

“The horse has maintained his condition, his body weight is around his racing weight of 470+ kilos. He is a lot more mature now and has been working very well.

“I ride him every day myself. He’s my precious lion heart and I want to be the one looking after him right through!”

Kuah said even Woodworth has not sat on him since his Singapore Guineas win, but he will jump right back on this Sunday.

“I will gallop him tomorrow. His last gallop was last Saturday when he went over two rounds,” said the former jockey.

“I haven’t planned too far ahead for him as there aren’t many races for him. I’ll just take it one step at a time with him, but he’s definitely more of a miler in my books.

“Sunday’s race is not all that strong, but there are a few horses I respect like Winning Cause who has only 50kgs. Hip Hip Hooray ran a great race in the Saas Fee Stakes (third to the dead-heating pair of War Affair and Storm Troops) but he is not very consistent.

“Anyway, I hope Forever Young draws a good gate. Even if he won from a wide barrier in the Guineas, a low draw makes it easier for him.”