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Forever Young Favored for Singapore Gold Cup

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 11:12 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE - February 12th, 2026 - All eyes are on Forever Young as the Singapore racing season heats up, with the six-year-old chestnut gelding poised as the dominant favorite for the upcoming Singapore Gold Cup. While the race is still months away - scheduled for November 11th - early discussions and trainer assessments already point to a thrilling showdown at Kranji Racecourse.

Forever Young, trained by the astute Steven Lam, etched his name in the history books last year by narrowly defeating Lim's Kosciuszko in a nail-biting finish. The victory cemented his status as a top-tier racer in Singapore and has fueled expectations for a repeat performance. Lam remains optimistic about his star horse's chances, stating, "He's been working well and his recent runs suggest he's ready to go." This confidence stems from a consistently strong season for Forever Young, which has seen him secure four wins and consistently place in three other races.

The Singapore Gold Cup isn't merely a prestigious title; it's the Republic's richest handicap race, boasting a substantial prize pool of S$650,000. This significant financial incentive draws in top contenders from across the region, making the competition fierce. The handicap format, designed to level the playing field by assigning weights to horses based on their past performance, adds another layer of complexity to the race.

However, Forever Young's path to victory won't be without its challenges. Several promising horses are emerging as strong contenders, poised to disrupt the defending champion's reign. Among these is So Hi, trained by the highly respected Michael Freedman. Freedman, known for his strategic approach and ability to prepare horses for major events, has been steadily improving So Hi's form, and many anticipate a formidable challenge from the gelding. So Hi's training regime has reportedly focused on stamina and late-race speed, potentially positioning him as a threat to Forever Young in the final stretch.

Another horse to watch is Knight Vincent, currently under the care of Ricardo Donato. Donato, a rising star in the Singaporean racing scene, has demonstrated a knack for unlocking the potential of under-the-radar horses. Knight Vincent has shown consistent improvement in recent trials and is expected to be a serious competitor, particularly if Donato can refine his tactical approach for the demanding Gold Cup distance. Early reports suggest Donato is focusing on improving Knight Vincent's early positioning to avoid being boxed in during the race.

The upcoming months will be crucial for all contenders as trainers fine-tune their horses' conditioning and strategies. Factors such as track conditions, the pace of the race, and the jockey's tactics will all play a significant role in determining the outcome. Analysts are predicting that the Gold Cup could be a particularly tactical race, with jockeys likely to employ strategies aimed at conserving energy and positioning their horses for a strong finish. The inclusion of international riders could also add a dynamic element to the event.

Beyond the immediate contenders, several other horses are being quietly prepared for a potential upset. Observers are noting the progress of several younger horses who may benefit from the handicap system, allowing them to compete on a more level playing field with the established stars. The Singapore Turf Club is investing heavily in developing local talent, and the Gold Cup could provide a platform for these rising stars to shine.

Lam acknowledges the depth of competition but remains steadfast in his belief in Forever Young. "There are other good horses in the race, but Forever Young is in good form and I expect him to run well," he stated. The racing community eagerly awaits the November showdown, anticipating a captivating battle for the Singapore Gold Cup title, with Forever Young aiming to solidify his legacy as one of the nation's premier racehorses.