The juvenile form is tested for acid as 18 sophomore ponies line up for the first leg of the Japan Third Prize on April 17 at Nakayama Racecourse.
Satsuki Sho (Two thousand Japanese Guineas, G1), featuring the winners of last year’s Share of Hope (G1), Assassin abilityand Asahi Two Futurity Stakes (G1), Do Deuce. They will be entering some kind of late development in the 2,000 meter (about 1 1/4 mile) race as they all aspire to be the 25th Satsuki Sho winner to win the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1).
Early signs are best for 2-year-olds from 2021 who may be ready to fend off newcomers. Ask more Victor jumped to rank Do Deuce down to second place in one of Satsuki Sho’s key antecedents, Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen (G2) on March 6 on the same course and distance.
However, form must be respected and last year’s top winners all have a solid foundation for the Triple Crown campaign.
Do Deuce, a Heart’s Cry colt out The proof mare Dust and diamonds , won all three starts in 2021, including the Ivy Stakes listed at the Tokyo Circuit in October with a third Ask Victor More. His coach, Yasuo Toomichi, is so confident in his abilities that he looks not only at the race in front of him but the six straight months on the road to the race that have let Japan down for many years. decade – Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1).
“He’s got more muscle, and looks like a horse that can run 2,000 meters or more,” said Tomomichi. “As long as he can run his own race, results will come his way. We are looking forward to the Japan Derby and the Arc with him later this year.”
Assassin ability, by Deep impact from Congaree mare Killer Graces is 2 out of 4 in 2021 with both wins coming at 2,000 metres.
Killer Ability After His Victory In 2021, A Hopeful Stake at Nakayama Racecourse
Coach Takashi Saito said Killer Ability has shown “gradual improvement” during training.
“When it comes to a race, he knows when to turn.
Typical of early season races for 3-year-olds, Satsuki Sho wasn’t particularly popular as only three of the final 10 winners were chosen as raiders.
Ask Victor More’s trainer, Yasuhito Tamura, for no reason why his pony couldn’t advance after his win over Do Deuce.
“After that last race, I can feel better about him, especially in the way that he has tackled each race so far,” Tamura said on April 15 after the dark horse door number 2. “Only to see him improve with each run. I’m confident as this race approaches.”
Be surprised won the other big stepping stone, the Fuji TV Spring Stakes (G2), and his trainer and jockey both said the foal’s chances could depend on his behavior. as well as his undeniable speed.
“His character was a bit tough,” says equestrian Ryuji Wada, “and he didn’t want to run on the uphill track, so we worked for him on Polytrack. He ran. good regardless of this I think on race day he can be a bit pushy but he likes to run and definitely picks up speed, so I hope he can get a good cadence and good stability. “
Justin’s Palace will receive support in his seasonal debut after winning his first two debuts in 2021 and finishing second behind Killer Ability in the Hopeful.
Satsuki Sho School also includes Born this waythird place in Deep Impact Kinen, and Danon Beluga, who 2 ate 2 with victory in Kyodo News Hai Tokinominoru Kinen (G3). Both are also from Heart’s Cry.
Geoglyphsthe son of Drefong won the first two in 2021 but finished fifth in Asahi Hai Futurity and second behind Danon Beluga in his 3-year-old debut.
fecesone Black Kitsan colt, defended his unmarked record in the third start after winning Tokyo Sports Two (G2). Christophe Lemaire has a mount but faces a challenge starting from stall number 18.
The race starts at the top of the ramp and runs right-handed around the inner ring of the Nakayama turf. Last year’s winner, Efforiago on Horse of the Year and 3-year-old campaign champion, winning four of five starts with a heartbreaking one-second loss in the Japan Derby following this year’s Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) winner , Shahryar .
