Saudi Cup 2026: Baffert talks strategy and Forever Young

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Bob Baffert spoke with the media Thursday morning at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in preparation for the Group 1 Saudi Cup and shared his thoughts on Nysos, Nevada Beach and Forever Young. 

On his Saudi Cup chances with Nysos and Nevada Beach

Baffert expressed confidence in both of his Saudi Cup entrants, highlighting Nysos's versatility as a key advantage over horses he's brought to the Middle East in the past. Unlike previous runners who were one-dimensional and could be pressured early, Baffert believes Nysos can adapt his running style to the race as it unfolds from post 12, either going to the lead or stalking from off the pace. He also praised Nevada Beach's ability to handle the King Abdulaziz track, comparing him to Country Grammer as a big, long-striding horse who gets over the deep, forgiving surface.

Baffert said both horses trained well and looked sharp after shipping. He stressed that the gate break will be critical for both.

"Nysos is a brilliant racehorse" Baffert said. "He's got his work cut out. He's got a good post position. He's outside. He can just stalk. He's smart. He could go to the lead. He could come off the pace. The horses I brought here before were one-dimensional and they had horses hook them early and they got tired at the end.

"All I can hope for is when they turn for home, Nevada Beach and Nysos, they're in contention."

On Forever Young

Baffert had nothing but admiration for his chief rival, calling Forever Young "an incredible horse." He marveled at the Japanese runner's ability to ship internationally and perform at the highest level.

"Forever Young, he's a unicorn I'm telling you what. He's unbelievable and I have so much respect for that horse," Baffert said. "For him, what he did he did as a 3-year-old to come to Saudi, Dubai, come to the Derby and come so close — that is just unheard of, shipping that much. Credit to his trainer and his staff and his jockey. He rides with so much confidence."

He also praised trainer Yoshito Yahagi, likening him to the legendary Charlie Whittingham, and noted that Yahagi told him the night before the news conference that Forever Young was ready. "When he says his horse is ready, they're ready. And he said last night his horse was ready. I didn't like to hear that."

On past attempts at the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup

Baffert has come close in the Middle East's biggest races but has yet to break through in the Saudi Cup, a fact he acknowledged with a mix of humor and frustration. "I'm watching at home, it looks like I'm home free, and I'm looking for the wire, and all of a sudden they show the 100-meter mark. I've lost millions of dollars, it just dissipated that last 100 meters. They come get you there at the end.

"When you bring a horse to the Middle East, you're just never sure how they're going to respond when they come out of the gate." He pointed to McKinzie as an example of a horse he expected to fire who simply didn't show up on the day. But he also recalled wins in the Dubai World Cup with Silver Charm and Captain Steve, who dug down when they looked beaten, as proof that anything can happen.