Hiroyuki Asanuma's G2 UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) drilled five furlongs in 1:01.40 and was partnered with Lion Race Horse Co. Ltd.'s Continuar (Jpn) (Drefong), who worked a half-mile in :50.

Shortly after those breezes during the 7:30-7:45 training window for Derby and Oaks horses, R.T. Racing Stable and Cypress Creek Equine's Sun Thunder (Into Mischief) worked a half-mile on his own in :48.60 with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. aboard.

“He pretty much just clipped 12s the whole way around,” Hernandez said. “They added blinkers to him this morning, and that seems to make him want to go forward, and kind of get into things a little earlier than he did before the blinkers. He finished in 48 and 3 [-fifths], with a good gallop out.”

Richard Bahde's Taxed (Collected), the runner-up in the GIII Fantasy S. and No. 15 on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard, worked a half-mile in :47.60 under jockey Rafael Bejarano.

Derma Sotogake and Continuar's Work

The pair of Japanese workmates drilled continuing through five furlongs, with Continuar completing a half-mile.

Breaking off at the half-mile pole, Continuar was 3 lengths in front under Kazunari Yoshida. By the head of the stretch, Derma Sotogake had drawn even under Masatoshi Segawa and was clear at the wire.

Fractions for Derma Sotogake were :25.80, :37.20, :48.60 and 1:01.40. Continuar was clocked in :13.40, :26.40, :50 and out five furlongs in 1:04.40.

Both horses will walk in the Quarantine Barn on Thursday.

Kate Hunter, the Japan Racing Association representative for the Kentucky Derby, said that both riders were happy with the works with Segawa pleased with the response in the stretch from Derma Sotogake.

Yoshito Yahagi, trainer of Continuar, is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Monday with Hidetaka Otonashi, trainer of Derma Sotogake, due in the following day.

Derma Sotogake (JPN) breezed five furlongs this morning in 1:01.40. While his countrymate Continuar (JPN) went four furlongs in :50.#KYDerby pic.twitter.com/wvFSNFF312

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 26, 2023

Thursday Schedule

One Derby work is scheduled for Thursday morning and that is Wild On Ice (Tapizar). Jockey Ken Tohill is flying to Louisville this afternoon and will be aboard for the work for trainer Joel Marr.

The Kentucky Oaks work schedule Thursday is much heavier with nine breezes slated.

Trainer Brad Cox is expected to work his trio of Wet Paint (Blame), Botanical (Medaglia d'Oro) and The Alys Look (Connect). Trainer Todd Pletcher has his duo of Gambling Girl (Dialed In) and Julia Shining (Curlin) scheduled to breeze along with Southlawn (Pioneerof the Nile) for Norm Casse, Flying Connection (Nyquist) for Todd Fincher, Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) for Mark Casse and possibly Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) for Brendan Walsh.

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“That is a typical Japanese training regimen,” said Japan-based representative for the Kentucky Derby Kate Hunter. “Masa was very pleased with the work. He said Crown Pride moves well over the surface with no extra effort.”

Crown Pride's previous works here were six furlongs in 1:18.60 Apr. 16, a half-mile in :49.80 Apr. 19 and a half-mile in :49.20  Apr. 24. He is scheduled to work again Sunday.

Trainer Koichi Shintani is scheduled to arrive in Louisville Sunday night and will be in attendance at the post position draw Monday afternoon. Jockey Christophe Lemaire is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on Monday.

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As one of North America's elite racing venues, hosting the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar made perfect sense, and the on-track product lived up to expectations, with plenty of strong winners and exciting finishes.

Ahead of this year's return to Del Mar, we asked some participants in this year's Breeders' Cup to recall what memory stuck out to them the most from the last time the event was held where the turf meets the surf.

Nick Hines – Jockey Agent, Bloodstock Agent, TVG Host

“In regards to the gambling, it really came down to Good Magic (in the Juvenile). He pretty much saved the day for me, because he came in heralded enough, but still considered under the radar, which is kind of surprising for a Chad Brown horse, but it was the turning point for me cashing a pretty sizable return. All the money was in on Bolt d'Oro, Good Magic was a maiden coming in for Chad Brown, and it made me wonder why he'd take a chance with a maiden in the Breeders' Cup. With his pedigree, and coming out of the Breeders' Cup, I thought this horse was going to adore two turns.”

Kate Hunter – Breeders' Cup Japanese Field Representative

“Back in 2017, I unfortunately had the recruit fall through, but I attended anyway for the experience. What I remember most, though, is walking around the grandstand gawking at the photos of Bing Crosby, my all-time favorite singer. Walking in his shoes and being at his track felt really special. It was a feeling I was able to linger in since I was just there as a spectator. I wallowed in it.”

David Meah – Meah/Lloyd Bloodstock, Anna Meah Racing Stables

“My memory of that Breeders' Cup was being there with Anna, who I had recently married back in August that year, and sharing the weekend with good friends from around the globe. Breeders' Cup for me is a fantastic occasion, being from England and living in America for such a long time (16 years at that time). It's fantastic when lots of my old friends come into town and we all catch up.

“Beyond that, I remember the weather being perfect, especially for the horses. I think It was around 69 degrees and it wasn't to hot at all. It was heavenly. We were spoiled, as per usual, with these world championship races and one horse that stood out to me was the amazingly handsome Talismanic (in the Turf). When he walked by me in the paddock, I knew where my $2 (maybe a little more) was going, and at 14-1, you'd better believe the drinks were flowing that evening.”

Walker Hancock – Claiborne Farm

“My cousin Lynn talking us out of including Talismanic in our Pick 6, costing us $388,423.”

Aron Wellman – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners

“For me, it was a selfish memory of Eclipse's colt Destin winning the Marathon Stakes (on the Breeders' Cup undercard). It was on my home track, and Todd Pletcher's first ever win at Del Mar.”

The post Breeders’ Cup Buzz: Remembering The Previous Del Mar Breeders’ Cup appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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In this week's edition of the Friday Show, Kate Hunter – Breeders' Cup field representative in Japan – joins Ray Paulick and bloodstock editor Joe Nevills to talk about the seven Japanese horses expected to participate this year – the largest group ever. (An eighth Japanese runner, Jasper Krone, has been withdrawn.)

Hunter points out that Hideyuki Mori, arguably the most internationally minded Japanese trainer, is leading by example, having sent over the most horses and demonstrating – while yet to win a Breeders' Cup race – that it is well worth trying. Mori has been testing the international waters all the way back to 1995, when he sent Ski Captain from Japan for a run in the Kentucky Derby. Mori will have four entered this year.

Is the year for a Japanese victory? “If you consider that horse racing is a numbers game, we've got the numbers this year,” Hunter said. “I hope it goes in our favor.”

Watch this week's Friday Show, presented by Woodbine, below:

The post The Friday Show Presented By Woodbine: Japan’s Strength In Numbers appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.

#1 – Bourbonic
Thirteenth in Derby
Accurate barometer
Of his class level

#2 – Essential Quality
Practically ran this
Going wide in the Derby
Still head of his class

#3 – Rombauer
Shocked the Preakness field
Is it a long-term form jump
Or just a bubble?

#4 – Hot Rod Charlie
Belongs in this spot
But “play against” is safe when
O'Neill tries this race

#5 – France Go de Ina
アメリカで
ぶどうを食べた
頑張るよ

Thanks to Japan Triple Crown recruiter Kate Hunter for writing this haiku in Japanese, fitting it within the format's syllable parameters in that language. Here's how it reads in English:

In America
I ate a lot of grapes
I will try my best

#6 – Known Agenda
Substitute rider
Shouldn't harm his otherwise
Sterling credentials

#7 – Rock Your World
Derby woes aside,
Are we sure he has the gas
To last on the lead?

#8 – Overtook
The one thing he has
Over Known Agenda is
A higher sale price

Prediction
“Quality” holds sway
Over game Known Agenda
Three, four fill super

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There were no other horses on the track. France Go de Ina prepares for Saturday's Preakness Stakes (G1) each day following regular training hours due to quarantine regulations.

Takano slowly got to his feet as France Go de Ina continued on before being apprehended by Pimlico outriders. Both Takano and the horse are fine, according to Kate Hunter, the Preakness field representative for the Japan Racing Association.

“[Takano] slipped a bit from the stirrup on the left side and lost his balance,” Hunter said. “The horse is fine.”

Trainer Hideyuki Mori was trackside and bolted towards the winner's circle, where Takano stood and waited for France Go de Ina to be retrieved and brought back. Takano then got back on board and was led into the Pimlico paddock, where he took several laps in a schooling session.

After watching video of the incident, Mori was relieved that France Go de Ina did not stumble or take a bad step.

“It had nothing to do with the horse,” Mori said through Hunter, who serves as his interpreter. “He breezed well. Luckily, or unluckily, the rider fell off after the goal, just after the finish line, after he finished his workout.”

France Go de Ina, who finished sixth in the March UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai after winning two of three starts in Japan, was timed in 49.40 seconds. Having a workout three days before a major race is not common in the United States, but Hunter said it's quite common in Japan.

She also said that after an exercise rider falls or is thrown from a horse in Japan, things are different.

“In Japan, there are no outriders,” Hunter said, “So, they kind of let the horse stop and the guy who fell off has to go catch it.”

Mori said this incident will not affect Preakness preparations for the rest of the week. France Go de Ina is scheduled to school in the Preakness starting gate on Friday.

After he walked back to the barn with Takano on his back, France Go de Ina did his normal hour of walking at the isolation barn following his visit to the track.

“We are just very happy that the horse is OK,” Mori said.

The post France Go De Ina ‘Fine’ After Eventful Morning At Pimlico appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The expected longshot in Saturday's 146th Preakness Stakes (G1), got his first look at the track when he and exercise rider Masaki Takano came on the track after regular training hours in accordance with quarantine regulations. They walked a lap around the track the opposite way and then jogged around the right way another time. Then it was back to the quarantine barn, which is a few barns away from the stakes barn.

“He just stretched his legs,” said Kate Hunter. the Preakness field representative for the Japan Racing Association. “It was pretty easy because there were no other horses around. He was able to relax, check everything out and see everything really well because it was nice and sunny. He seemed very relaxed.”

France Go de Ina, who was bred in Kentucky, is a son of Will Take Charge.

According to Hunter, trainer Hideyuki Mori flew into Dulles International Airport Monday morning and was due to be at the barn to check on his horse Monday afternoon.

France Go de Ina has two wins in four career starts. In his last race, he finished sixth, beaten 10 ½ lengths, in the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai. Jockey Joel Rosario, who rode him in that race, will be on board in the Preakness.

“I would assume so,” Hunter said when asked if she thought France Go de Ina would be a long price on Preakness Day. “Our dirt horses are not as good as our turf horses, but (Mori) would not be here if he didn't think he had a shot at it.”

Original hopes were that France Go de Ina might run in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but he lost any chance of getting qualifying points when he missed the break and finished sixth in the UAE Derby.

“The moment that race broke, I said, 'Hey, if you want to try the other two legs of the Triple Crown, you're nominated, so we can go for it if you want to,'” Hunter said. “When the horse came out of the UAE Derby OK, that's what (Mori) decided to do.”

Hunter has lived outside of Tokyo for the last 13 years and is a Triple Crown recruiting agent. She said she also works for the Breeders' Cup and Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

She said she also works “a little” on a contract basis with The Stronach Group and the New York Racing Association. She is originally from Nashville, Tenn.

Hunter said France Go de Ina's entourage also includes a photographer in addition to Mori and Takano, who also serves as assistant trainer and groom.

“We want to make sure he is fit and sound and ready to go,” Hunter said, “and, hopefully, kick a little American-trained butt.”

#FranceGoDeIna showing off his #Preakness146 swag. pic.twitter.com/2g31ZIBTSB

— Preakness Stakes (@PreaknessStakes) May 10, 2021

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France Go de Ina, who arrived at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., on Saturday evening for a scheduled start in Saturday's 146^th Preakness Stakes (G1), will be the second horse saddled by trainer Hideyuki Mori for a start in a U.S. Triple Crown race. Sky Captain, who finished 14^th in the 1995 Kentucky Derby (G1), was the first of six horses that Mori has brought to the U.S. to compete in Grade 1 stakes.

The 62-year-old Mori, who most recently saddled Jasper Prince for a 14^th-place finish in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Keeneland, hasn't broken through with a Grade 1 victory in the U.S., but he has made history throughout the world.

“He's been traveling since he first launched his stable,” said Kate Hunter, the Preakness field representative for the Japan Racing Association, Sunday morning at Pimlico. “He was the first Japanese trainer to win a Hong Kong International race, and now [the Japanese horses] win that every year. He was the first to win an international Group 1 abroad, it was in France.”

Mori made history in France in 1998 when he saddled Seeking the Pearl for a victory in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) at Deauville.

“He's quite the pioneer and continues to prove that year after year sending these horses abroad. He likes to travel and give his owners a unique experience,” said Hunter, who reported Mori will arrive at Pimlico Monday. “It's a great honor in Japan to say, 'I raced in Saudi Arabia, I raced in America, I raced in the Preakness.' It's something special and a unique opportunity to provide his clients.”

France Go de Ina, who won two of his first three races in Japan, shipped to Dubai, where he finished a troubled sixth in the UAE Derby (G2) March 27 before returning to Japan. The son of Will Take Charge shipped from Japan May 5 to Los Angeles, where he was in quarantine for two days before shipping to Newark, N.J. and vanning to Pimlico.

“You're looking at a horse who can deal with a lot. American horses in general are probably more used to traveling than most of the Japanese horses.  They're pretty good at long van rides but they don't fly very much in Japan so to have a horse who can handle, not only flying to America, but flying to Dubai and back and then over here,” Hunter said. “If he can give us a solid performance, it will be pretty amazing because that's real tough on the horse.”

Hunter reported that France Go de Ina settled nicely in his stall at Pimlico. The Kentucky-bred colt, who was purchased for $100,000 at the 2019 Keeneland September sale, is scheduled to breeze at Pimlico Wednesday.

“He'll walk the opposite way around the track one lap, then gallop around two laps. We'll decide how far he'll breeze on how he shipped in and how far they want to push him, but he's traveled well,” said Hunter, noting that France Go de Ina will go to the track alone at 10:15 a.m. each day due to quarantine regulations. “He settled good and he's eating really well. Apparently, he remembers his American oats and is quite happy to have them back.”

France Go de Ina, who will be the first Japan-based horse to run in the Preakness since Lani (fifth in 2016), is likely to school in the starting gate at Pimlico in the hope that he will break more sharply in the Preakness under Joel Rosario than he did in the UAE Derby.

“He didn't break very well or quickly out of the gate. In Japan, it's not so much of a big thing because the racing is slower there over the dirt, so he's been good at regaining ground or taking the lead even in some of those races,” Hunter said. “We'll probably leave a lot of it up to Rosario at the end of the day, but getting him out of the gate quickly will be a priority. We're going to work him in the gate and make sure he gets used to having an assistant starter in there, because he's never had one and we didn't use one in Dubai and probably should have. But hindsight is 20-20.”

The post Trailblazing Japanese Trainer Mori Hoping France Go De Ina Is Next International Conquest appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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France Go de Ina began his career in Toyko in November. After finishing fourth in his debut, he won two consecutive races at Hanshin Racecourse to end his 2-year-old season. In his only start this year, France Go de Ina was away awkwardly before finishing sixth in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan.

Joel Rosario will ride France Go de Ina in Saturday's Preakness.

According to Kate Hunter, Triple Crown representative for the Japan Racing Association, France Go de Ina is not expected to go to the track until Monday.

“He looked like he shipped very well. It was a long and bumpy road to get him from Japan, Dubai, Japan, Los Angeles, Newark to Pimlico, but he's in good shape,” Hunter said. “We'll know exactly how well we're going to do Saturday when he breezes on Wednesday.”

Gary and Mary West's GII Rebel S. winner Concert Tour (Street Sense) turned in a five-furlong work in 1:00.40 Sunday at Churchill Downs.

“He worked really well. He's been training really well,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “I'm happy with the way he went, so he'll definitely be going to the Preakness. Medina Spirit, we just gave him a stiff open gallop, sort of. We're happy with how he went. He came out of the race really, really well. So they'll both be going to the Preakness.”

Concert Tour suffered his first career defeat when third in the Apr. 10 GI Arkansas Derby last time out.

The post France Go de Ina Arrives at Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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According to Kate Hunter, a Triple Crown recruiter who frequently accompanies Japanese horses on their international travels, the chestnut colt was quickly unloaded from his container and whisked off to the on-site USDA quarantine station, but appeared to take the trip from Japan well. Often times, foreign shippers do their quarantine in Chicago, but coronavirus-related restrictions would have added an extra stop, making that route unmanageable.

France Go De Ina has landed in LA! Travels to Pimlico on the 8th of May. #PreaknessStakes pic.twitter.com/Nb1r63rEaI

— Kate Hunter • Marugai Racing • ケイト ハンター• まるがいレーシング (@KeibaKate) May 5, 2021

A $100,000 Keeneland September yearling, France Go de Ina was a debut fourth to Godolphin Japan's Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) on his six-furlong debut at Tokyo last November, but broke his maiden by four lengths going a mile and an eighth at Hanshin Nov. 28 and added an allowance tally over that course and trip Dec. 19. France Go de Ina had the services of Joel Rosario for the UAE Derby, but he was slowly into stride and raced far back early on. He made steady inside progress and ran on late to finish sixth, a bit more than 10 lengths behind Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (video). Should all go according to plan, those two rivals could meet again in the GI Belmont S. June 5.

France Go de Ina will be the second Japanese-based horse to face the starter in the Preakness since 2016, when Lani (Tapit) was beaten five lengths into fifth behind Exaggerator (Curlin), having finished ninth in the GI Kentucky Derby. He was subsequently third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Creator (Tapit), in that year's GI Belmont S. Master Fencer (Jpn) (Just a Way {Jpn}) was seventh (placed sixth) in the 2019 Derby, but skipped the Preakness and was fifth, beaten under three lengths, in the GI Belmont S.

France Go de Ina is set to depart Los Angeles for Newark this Saturday, May 8, following which he will make the four-hour trip by van down Interstate 95 to Pimlico.

WATCH: France Go de Ina wins his maiden first time long in November

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