While the larger Japanese horses continue to show their presence in the world arena, the sorting process of a new litter of 3-year-old ponies is in earnest at Satsuki Sho (Hai Phong). thousand Guineas of Japan, G1) on April 16 at Nakayama Racecourse.
The 18-a-side court was set for the 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 mile), the first leg of the Japan Crown Three, but, as has been the case with most of recent years, the results were worth it. suspect. Only three of the 10 favorites ended up winning.
The expansive nature of the race is fueled in part by the absence of two of the 2022 juvenile stars.
2 year old defending champion, Dolce morewinner of the Asahi Two Futurity Stakes (G1) in December, finishing seventh on April 8 in Nakayama when tasked with the less ambitious New Zealand Trophy (G2). Dura Erede The winner of another top event for 2-year-olds, Hopeful Stakes (G1), was transferred to the international dirt circuit, where he finished second behind the Kentucky Derby contender. sotogake skin in the UAE Derby (G2) in March.
There are two official Guineas test races: Yayoi Sho (Deep Impact Kinen, G2) March 5, running over 2,000 meters at Nakayama, and Spring Stakes (G2) March 19, at 1,800 meters (approx. 1 1/8 mile) at Nakayama. The first three in each of those races automatically get into the Guineas and all six are in the lineup.
smellvia Satono’s Crown , Top knifevia Declaration of war , And One directvia omen filled the frame during the March 5 race. Two weeks later and 200 meters shorter, it was Opera Bellagiovia Lord Kanaloa , Ho O biscuits via your cookie heart And metal speed via Silver Bang.
The Bellagio Opera remains undefeated after three starts, all at 1,800 metres, and is the only runner to remain undefeated after more than two races. He’s got two book wins this season.
Bellagio Opera coach Hiroyuki Uemura said: “He’s still a bit loose despite three wins, but the last one was the best he’s had in a race. “It’s a big win, I think. He has a good racing feel and is easy to control, and it’s good that he can win on different tracks.”
Tastiera hasn’t raced since Yayoi Sho and trainer Noriyuki Hori said he liked the newly arrived pony and accommodated some gear adjustments.
Hori said of Tastiera: “He never got tired. “The effect of blinking and cheeks during practice is very good and his breathing has improved. He is improving a lot in ability, and his mind and body are in the right place. . He has a refreshing feeling, so he should come to race practice in good condition.”
Bellagio Opera drew gate 15 with the name Hironobu Tanabe to ride. Tastiera was just inside him with Kohei Matsuyama preparing to take over.
In comparison to other people, Danon Touchdowna pony of Lord Kanaloa and a half-brother with Danon boyrunner-up at Asahi Hai Futurity in his last race in 2022 and made his debut at the age of 3. Hrimfaxihalf-brother with half-brother Deirdre won three in a row while promoting. ghost thiefof Harbinger, suffered a single loss in four starts when he finished fourth in the Hopeful contest in December.
The race starts at the beginning of the ramp and proceeds right-handed around the inner ring of the vast Nakayama turf.
