Japan’s 3-year-olds this year seem determined to test the beliefs of their supporters with utopian thrills.
For the second week in a row, the first race of the Triple Crown series was decided by a lightning late run from the back of the team, this time with the help of Mr. Eastern sun during Satsuki Sho (Japan’s Two Thousand Guineas-G1) April 16 at Nakayama Racecourse.
In a virtual carbon copy of freedom islandAfter finishing a week early at Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas-G1), Sol Oriens stepped out of the starting gate and took up a late residence at the tail end of the 18-horse school. Jockey Takeshi Yokoyama holds Black Kitasan The pony got off the tracks, avoiding the rough grass earlier in the week.
🇯🇵 Strength go home! Sol Oriens flew down outside to win Satsuki Sho early this morning for Takeshi Yokoyama and Takahisa Tezuka… #競馬 pic.twitter.com/VQ2crcQ7K6
– At races (@AtTheRaces) April 16, 2023
Despite the productivity and difficult progression, the initial pace was fast and that set the stage for the late heroes of Sol Oriens. Taking the widest possible path around the fields, Yokoyama started his horse into gear just as the long trail loomed and set sail afterward. smellwho dominated the points and looked clear on victory in the 100 yards— until Sol Oriens took the lead to win by a quarter of the way.
Tastiera holds second place 1 3/4 of the length from the favorite, ghost thiefwho lost a shoe while running up the back seat. metal speed finished fourth with odds of more than 100-1. The final time for 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) is 2:00.6.
Sol Oriens remained undefeated after three starts and was the first horse to win Satsuki Sho in just two races.
Yokoyama said he has kept his faith despite his original position and his limited pony experience.
He said: “He is still very green, especially on the bends, with only a short career left to enter this race. “But as it showed in the previous start, I know firsthand the power and speed this pony possesses, and so while we have plenty of ground to cover from behind, I know that if I can keep it steady, he’ll be able to show his full potential to win this race.”
Sol Oriens had a bit of a break. He won the first claim on November 13 in the novice race at Tokyo Racecourse, then crossed the 2,000 meters to win the Keisei Hai (G3) at Nakayama on the 15th. January on his only other trip to the track.
Coach Takahisa Tezuka predicted after the barrier draw that the addition of a ring, more maturity and faster pace could help his pony compete at the highest level.
“In his last two races, the pace was pretty slow,” said Tezuka. “He is a capable horse and I think the pace will be faster this time, but I believe he can run a good race with the potential he has and his condition. I want to. thought he could run in the Later Match.”
That will be Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby-G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on May 28, the second stage of the Japan Triple Crown. The series ends with Kikuka Sho (Japan St. Leger-G1) on October 22 at Kyoto Racecourse.
Sol Oriens, get out promoter mare skiing bred by Shadai Farm and bearing the colors of Shadai Race Horse Co.
