What Classic clues may we glean there? Well, maybe none. But I liked the look of Narkez (Fr), who gave his rivals a six-length walloping in the Prix Comrade last Tuesday, picking up where he left off after winning at Clairefontaine last October. Bred by Nurlan Bizakov under his Sumbe banner, the colt represents that magic Siyouni (Fr)-Galileo (Ire) cross, though let's face it, Galileo mares work well all over the place. Narkez, trained by Andre Fabre, has helped to give his owner a great start to the season following the Listed win of Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the Doncaster Mile. 

One person who is entitled to love Siyouni more than most is Peter Brant, who celebrated his first European Classic victory when Sottsass (Fr) won the Prix du Jockey Club before going on to deliver the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Brant as well. We're looking forward to seeing his first runners emerge this season, but in the meantime Brant looks to have another decent prospect by Siyouni on his hands in the form of Louise Procter (Fr). Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, she became the second TDN Rising Star of the week for her sire when remaining unbeaten in her third start in the Prix du Belvedere at Chantilly on Thursday. She looks smart and has the entries to match. 

Making Dreams (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) kept up her trainer Karl Burke's great strike-rate in French stakes races by winning the G3 Prix Penelope by six lengths on her seasonal debut at Saint-Cloud. She is another who should enter considerations for the Classics, as should the Prix Caracalla winner Mister Gatz (Fr), who was born in the spring in which his sire Adlerflug (Ger) died. The flashy chestnut colt was somewhat reminiscent of his father as he bowled around the lush Parisian turf looking like he was having a mighty time before putting his head down to stride clear of the field by five lengths. Trained in Deauville by Stephanie Nigge for a collection of owners which includes his breeder Mathieu Boutin and Gerard Augustin-Normand, Mister Gatz holds an entry for the Deutsches Derby. 

O'Shea Shines on Dubai's Big Day

Of course last week, or more specifically Saturday, was really all about the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan which could certainly be considered a triumph for internationalism. The trophies for the eight Group races were shared between horses trained in America, Ireland, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Britain and Dubai (x2).

It was also a great advertisement for keeping classy horses in training beyond the age of three. The winners of the five Group 1 contests were aged between five and seven, with Jerome Reynier's Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) being the youngest of those, and the wide-margin Golden Shaheen winner, the former Russian-trained Tuz (Oxbow), enjoying his finest hour as a seven-year-old on his fourth appearance on Dubai World Cup night. 

Tuz and the Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief) won their races in a manner which must still have their trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O'Shea blinking in disbelief. By six and a half and eight and a half lengths respectively, they each set a new record for the winning distance, with Laurel River, who broke from the outside gate, overturning that held by Dubai Millennium (GB) for 24 years. 

O'Shea, now 42, has been champion jockey in the UAE 11 times and he is in pole position to claim his 12th title this season. But despite that consistent success, the Irishman had a sole Group 1 victory to his name until Saturday.

A modest and loyal grafter, O'Shea praised Laurel River's owner Juddmonte for keeping him on the horse, saying, “They could have any jockey in the world on him and they kept the faith with me. I'll be forever indebted to them.”

Juddmonte didn't need any other jockey to claim a second Dubai World Cup after Arrogate's victory in 2017. O'Shea, bold from the outset from the number 12 stall, simply rode his rivals ragged and very much deserved his night in the spotlight. 

The Auguste Enigma

The last three winners of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) were all in action over the weekend, with Shahryar (Jpn) a good second in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which also featured the last two Japanese Oaks winners Liberty Island (Jpn) and Stars On Earth (Jpn), while Do Deuce (Jpn) was not beaten far when fifth in the G1 Dubai Turf. Lest we think that Japan is completely depleted of its best runners during the big meetings in the Middle East, then look no further than Sunday's G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin. It featured last year's Japanese Derby and 2,000 Guineas winners, Tastiera (Jpn) and Sol Oriens (Jpn), along with Geoglyph (Jpn), who beat Equinox (Jpn) to win the Guineas in 2022, and the G1 Shuka Sho winner of that same year, Stunning Rose (Jpn).

So much of the Sheema Classic build-up had centred on the clash between Liberty Island and Auguste Rodin (Ire), but the latter, who won last year's Derby and Irish Derby before going on to land the Irish Champion and Breeders' Cup Turf, added to his enigmatic status by finishing last of the 12 runners. 

Don't despair. When 12th in the Guineas on debut last season, Auguste Rodin bounced back to win at Epsom, and he put his last-place finish in the King George behind him to triumph next time out on Irish Champions Weekend. This column, at least, still holds the faith that when he's good, he's very, very good. 

Epsom's honour was however upheld in Sydney over the weekend, where the 2020 Derby winner Serpentine (Ire) claimed his second consecutive stakes win for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in the G3 Neville Selwood S. 

It's Whitsbury's World

It is important not to get too carried away with the early two-year-old races. Despite the annual hullabaloo over Royal Ascot, nothing really matters until the autumn, right? But it's impossible not to watch the early skirmishes with interest and Whitsbury Manor Stud's Sergei Prokofiev was represented by his second winner from just two runners when Flicka's Girl triumphed at Wolverhampton on Easter Monday. The David Loughnane-trained filly was also bred by Whitsbury Manor and sold, as is the stud's usual practice, at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 22,000gns.

Britain's other juvenile race on Monday over at Kempton went the way of Pont Neuf (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), a winner on debut for Eve Johnston Houghton, who also struck with the two-year-old Tanager (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) at Chelmsford on Good Friday. 

The trainer has a well established partnership with bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock when it comes to working the sales and the pair has once again unearthed a couple of useful looking prospects for 24,000gns (Tattersalls Somerville) and €22,000 (Tattersalls Ireland) respectively.

Johnson Houghton has made a flying start to the new season with four winners and three placed horses from nine runners since the official 'start of the Flat'.

Jack Came Back

It was announced last week that Ben Curtis, who was been riding at Fair Grounds in New Orleans over the winter, would remain in America for “the foreseeable future” after riding 43 winners and netting more than $1.5 million in prize-money.

Last September, Curtis had ridden his 1,000th winner aboard Merrijig (GB) (Schiaparelli {Ger}) and as that horse resumed on Good Friday, the absent Curtis was replaced in the saddle by Jack Gilligan, who has recently returned after a decade in the US and now has Curtis's former agent Simon Dodds representing him.

Merrijig was the first of two winners for Gilligan from three rides on Good Friday, and the jockey struck again 24 hours later on his sole ride at Wolverhampton. 

Not to be confused with the Irish conditional of the same name, Gilligan was born in Newmarket but left Britain at the age of 17 with his parents Pat, a racing writer and trainer, and Vicky, a barn foreman at WinStar Farm. With more than 400 wins in America, including two Grade III victories aboard Silver Dust (Tapit), he has been making the most of the opportunities handed to him since returning to his home town.

There are not many names in the jockeys' table with a better strike-rate than Gilligan so far this year. He is currently operating at 20% winners to rides. Backing all of his 45 mounts would have yielded a profit of almost £43 to a £1 stake.

Pecheur Swaps Roles for Rottgen

German Classic-winning jockey Maxim Pecheur retired at the end of last season to succeed Markus Klug as the trainer at Gestut Rottgen near Cologne. He had previously ridden Windstoss (Ger) (Shirocco {Ger}) in the famous Rottgen colours to win the 2017 G1 Deutsches Derby. The colt was trained by Klug, as was Pecheur's G1 Preis der Diana winner, Diamanta (Ger) (Maxios {GB}), for Gestut Brummerhof. 

Pecheur is clearly adjusting well to his new role at the historic training centre and he could well have a Derby contender of his own this year after his first runner, Anspruch (Ger) (New Bay {GB}), won on debut at Cologne on Monday. The Rottgen-bred colt is out of the Group 3 winner Anna Katharina (Ger) (Kallisto {Ger}).

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Do Deuce would likely have been at the top of the markets for last year's G1 Dubai Turf, but was withdrawn in the days leading up to the race, helping pave the way for a third consecutive victory by Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The reigning G1 Arima Kinen scorer was one of the first onto the track just after 5am Wednesday morning and quickened up nicely down the stretch (see below).

Though he clearly possesses the scope to see out a longer trip, connections have instead chosen the nine-furlong distance of the Dubai Turf.

“I considered the Sheema Classic as well and we discussed it with Yutaka Take,” trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said during a Wednesday press conference. “The Sheema Classic tends to be a race which benefits the front-runners or those with a good position. For Do Deuce's racing style, we both agreed that the Dubai Turf is a race where horses can win from anywhere.”

Japanese gallopers have won five of the last nine renewals of the Dubai Turf, including Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), who dead-heated with Lord North in 2022. The Tomomichi-trained Vivlos (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was victorious in 2017 with Joao Moreira up.

Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) have scooped the last two renewals of the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, and Liberty Island has her claims to make it three on the trot and six overall, dating back to Stay Gold (Jpn) (Sunday Silence) in 2001.

Last seen finishing five lengths adrift of Equinox and just ahead of fellow G1 Yushun Himba heroine Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in the G1 Japan Cup in late November, Liberty Island wasn't asked for much, but ran on nicely Wednesday morning, with Yuga Kawada along for the ride.

“This is her first time travelling internationally and all has gone well so far,” said Kawada. “It was a good gallop this morning and we are happy.”

Added stable representative Yuya Katayama: “Everything went perfectly and according to plan. She switched on when Yuga Kawada rode her today. Today was just about keeping her condition, that's it–nothing more.”

Christophe Lemaire teamed up once again with Stars on Earth, second in the Arima Kinen last time, and said: “I gradually sped up in her breeze this morning. She remained calm throughout and reacted very well. Her condition is great and the ground in Dubai suits her. Stars On Earth is a very easy horse to ride and I am confident about her this weekend.”

Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), who beat the boys in the G1 Mile Championship and was third to Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and the re-opposing Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile, prepped for the Dubai Turf when galloping over 600 metres behind Liberty Island and Stars on Earth.

Shahryar also had a turf gallop as he looks for a second Sheema Classic in three years, as did Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), runner-up in last year's Dubai Turf. Cristian Demuro rides Shahryar, while Moreira has a return assignment aboard Danon Beluga.

Stars on Earth (Duramente x Southern Stars ) and Christophe Lemaire breezed the Meydan turf this morning in preparation for the Sheema Classic. #DWC24 #賽馬 #競馬 #スターズオンアース pic.twitter.com/gFndg9asqY

— Grant Courtney (@paomaphotos) March 27, 2024

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Outfooted and relegated to the tail of the field, with 5-2 pick Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn})–runner-up to Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn)– bringing up the rear, the 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun hero traveled strongly for Take, as Titleholder opened a long lead through the middle stages as was widely expected. Keeping his mount out wide and out of harm's way, Take slipped Do Deuce some rein as they took the rise with 800 metres to race, but Titleholder wasn't coming back to the field just yet and carried a healthy advantage into the final 600 metres.

But the swoopers began to chime in, as Do Deuce got underway at the midpoint on the turn and was four deep, but gaining on the front-runner nearing the entrance to the straight as Stars on Earth plugged on at the fence. Titleholder was brave on the lead and stuck on well into the final furlong, but he just couldn't quite see it out, as Do Deuce rolled home to outfinish the 2022 G1 Yushun Himba heroine, giving Take an 81st elite-level success on the JRA. Next in was Justin Palace  followed by 2021 Derby winner Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), while reigning Derby winner Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) was sixth.

Last but one in last year's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Do Deuce resumed with a cracking victory in the G2 Kyoto Kinen Feb. 12, an effort that propelled him in most circles to favourite's status for the G1 Dubai Turf. Forced to withdraw from the contest in the days leading up to it, the bay was somewhat disappointing when a first-up seventh to Equinox in the Tenno Sho and was a latest fourth to the now-retired Horse of the Year in the G1 Japan Cup Nov. 26. The two most recent efforts came with Keita Tosaki on his back, but it was Take renewing acquaintances Sunday, having recently returned from an injury-enforced absence.

“It's great to comeback with Do Deuce to win this race against some really strong opponents,” said Take, winning his fourth Arima Kinen, three of which have occurred on Christmas Eve. “He was in good shape coming into this race and although the colt was a bit keen, I had to keep him in hand and maintain a good rhythm and not let him rush and gave him the go from about 700 metres out. His response was very good rounding the last corner and gave a terrific late charge to the wire. We did have our struggles after winning the Kyoto Kinen early this year, but I was determined to show his true strength and prove what he was really made of in this big race.”

Pedigree Notes:

Two-time graded-stakes winner Dust and Diamonds, also runner-up to Groupie Doll in the 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for Padua Stables and Richard Santulli, changed hands for $900,000 at that year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale and won the GIII Sugar Swirl S. in a single racetrack appearance for Borges Torrealba Holdings and Three Chimneys Farm. The mare foaled MGSP Much Better (Pioneerof the Nile) for that operation before being purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for an even $1 million in foal to Pioneerof the Nile at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale.

Carrying the distinctive Shadai black-and-yellow stripes, Heart's Cry was runner-up to King Kamehameha (Jpn) in the 2004 Tokyo Yushun and ninth in this event behind Zenno Rob Roy. He ran with credit, albeit without winning, early on at four in 2005, but blossomed really and truly at the back end of the season, missing by a nose to the Luca Cumani-conditioned Alkaased in the G1 Japan Cup before famously handing Deep Impact (Jpn) his only domestic defeat in that year's Arima Kinen. Heart's Cry became the second Japanese-based winner of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in 2006 and was third to Hurricane Run (Ire) and Electrocutionist in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond S. at Ascot, but was well held behind Deep Impact in that year's Japan Cup.

Do Deuce is one of a dozen top-level scorers for his sire, whose daughter Lys Gracieux (Jpn) was brilliant in winning the 2019 Arima Kinen. Heart's Cry passed away this past March aged 22, but was represented posthumously by Continuous (Jpn), victorious in this year's G1 St Leger. Heart's Cry's recently repatriated American dual-surface Grade I winner Yoshida (Jpn) is out of the Grade I-winning Hilda's Passion, whose sire Canadian Frontier was a son of Gone West and Borodislew (Seattle Slew).

Kieffers purchased the Real Steel (Jpn) half-brother to Do Deuce for a sales-topping ¥94.6 million (approximately $664,000) at the 2022 Northern Farm Foal Sale and Dust and Diamonds foaled a filly by Silver State (Jpn) this past Mar. 20 before visiting Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Contrail (Jpn).

Sunday, Nakayama, Japan
ARIMA KINEN-G1, ¥959,860,000, Nakayama, 12-24, 3yo/up, 2500mT, 2:30.90, gd/fm.
1–DO DEUCE (JPN), 128, c, 4, by Heart's Cry (Jpn)
1st Dam: Dust and Diamonds (MGSW & GISP-US, $496,260), by Vindication
2nd Dam: Majestically, by Gone West
3rd Dam: Darling Dame, by Lyphard
O-Kieffers Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi; J-Yutaka Take; ¥503,420,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo Colt-Jpn, 12-6-1-1, $7,671,573. *1/2 to Much Better (Pioneerof the Nile), MGSP, $332,204. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Stars on Earth (Jpn), 123, f, 4, Duramente (Jpn)–Southern Stars (GB), by Smart Strike. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm; T-Mizuki Takayanagi; J-Christophe Lemaire; ¥200,972,000.
3–Titleholder (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Duramente (Jpn)–Mowen (GB), by Motivator (GB). (¥20,000,000 Wlg '18 JRHAJUL). O-Hiroshi Yamada; B-Okada Stud; T-Toru Kurita; J-Kazuo Yokoyama; ¥130,486,000.
Margins: HF, 1, HD. Odds: 4.20, 7.60, 7.30.
Also Ran: Justin Palace (Jpn), Shahryar (Jpn), Tastiera (Jpn), Win Marilyn (Jpn), Sol Oriens (Jpn), Harper (Jpn), Ho O Emmy's (Jpn), Iron Barows (Jpn), Through Seven Seas (Jpn), Lilac (Jpn), Pradaria (Jpn), Deep Bond (Jpn), Heat on Beat (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video.

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While Equinox is not back to defend his title, a good deal of how to solve the contest from a pari-mutuel perspective goes through him. Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is one of four runners pressing on to the Christmas Eve feature from the G1 Japan Cup, where Equinox had four lengths on Liberty Island. In the estimation of many, the 4-year-old–one of just two horses to finish ahead of the reigning Horse of the Year, in his case in the 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun–would have been the one to beat in the G1 Dubai Turf in March, but was scratched and missed seven months. The bay was disappointing when seventh behind Equinox in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) in October and fell a bit short of expectations when only fourth in the Japan Cup. His connections still have not lost faith.

'[Jockey Yutaka] Take rode work last week and, as I'd thought, they really looked good together,” said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. “Take said the horse had moved really well as usual. This will be his third start of the fall season but I don't think he's tired at all. I'd say he has improved quite a bit and there is no need for more work. Equinox is out of the picture now and I think any horse has a chance.”

DO DEUCE fast work yesterday that has the shrewds talking, number 62 in the white with Yutaka Take on board, 11.0 last 1F

Goes to the G1 Arima Kinen on 24th

Worked with classy 3yo filly HARPER who is also going to the Arima Kinen, she closed in 11.2https://t.co/UFfl3sd0w6

— Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) December 14, 2023

Do Deuce is one of three Derby winners in the race, joining 2021 hero Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}). The former was a cracking third to Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 4 and was an intended runner in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase two weeks ago, but was a vet scratch. In spite of his obvious quality, the 5-year-old is no better than a 50-1 chance ante-post. Tastiera dropped a narrow decision to the sometimes mercurial Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in April's G1 Satsuki Sho before turning the tables in the Derby. He exits a second–with Sol Oriens third–in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over 3000 metres Oct. 22.

No fewer than six fillies and mares feature in the 16-strong field, but two most-fancied have drawn the widest gates in a race that is run around three turns at Nakayama. Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) put a bit of a scare into Equinox when flashing home for second in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, after which it was announced that she'd be programmed for the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A highly creditable fourth to Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), she is capable if able to work out out a trip from barrier 15. Drawn widest is the oft-unlucky Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who was unfortunate not to complete the 2022 Triple Tiara and looks to snap a frustrating streak of placings, including a latest third in the Japan Cup. Her late sire is also responsible for Titleholder (Jpn), a pacesetting ninth in this last year. Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), victorious in the 2022 G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and an outstanding fourth to Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Nov. 4, makes the final start of her career and is the longest price at north of 115-1.

Adding further intrigue are the half-brothers Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), winner of the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200 metres and third in the Tenno Sho (Autumn), and Iron Barows (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who punched his ticket to this with a victory in the G2 Stayers S. going 3600 metres of this course Dec. 2. The pair are half-brothers to recent Darley Japan import Palace Malice (Curlin).

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A two-length winner of this event last season, Sodashi was only fifth as the favourite in last August's G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) behind Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), each of whom have since recorded top-level successes. A head second in the nine-furlong G2 Fuchu Himba over this course in October, the two-time champion was last seen finishing a competitive third behind Serifos (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the G1 Mile Championship last November. Sodashi gets a noteworthy change in the saddle Sunday.

“Jockey Damian Lane rode her two weeks ago, and he said he found her easy to ride,” said trainer Naosuke Sugai. “He has been studying all her races and I do want him to ride her as he feels is right. There are a lot of top horses in the lineup, but I want her to be able to bring out her best. Of course, I want results, but the most important thing is that she runs safely and comes out of the race well.”

5m SODASHI final fast up the Ritto slope ahead of defending her G1 Victoria Mile title on Sunday

Shredding chip

Regardless of how pretty she is, breaking 12.0 for the final 200m is outstanding work, she is purrrrring.

Will be very tough to beat, againpic.twitter.com/wWyaqhtXJP

— Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) May 10, 2023

Reining Japanese champion 3-year-old filly Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) won the first two legs of last year's Japanese Filly Triple Crown, the G1 Oka Sho and G1 Yushun Himba, ahead of a luckless third behind Stunning Rose (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) in the G1 Shuka Sho. Sidelined thereafter, she flew home late and was unfortunate not to get past the aforementioned Jack d'Or in the G1 Osaka Hai on her seasonal return Apr. 2.

“She'd been coming off a layoff in her previous race, but this time, with a race behind her, I think she has improved,” said jockey Christophe Lemaire, back from his sixth-place effort in the GI Kentucky Derby last weekend. “She feels to be in perfect shape. We lost last time because we were racing from too far back. The start will be important.”

Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) is back at the mile, having finished a somewhat disappointing 10th behind Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) when going for back-to-back victories in the G3 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia Feb. 25. She improved from a well-backed fifth in this spot to cause a mild upset in last term's G1 Yasuda Kinen in her next visit to the races.

So deep is this year's renewal that Lotus Land (Point of Entry), a dual Group 3 winner and near-miss second in the 2022 G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen, is no better than a 100-1 chance. She exits a sixth in the latter event Mar. 26 when the ground at Chukyo was exceptionally testing.

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The expected pacesetter from gate nine, the flashy chestnut hit the ground running and led from the outposted North the World (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), as two-time Classic winner Stars on Earth was involved in a bit of a chain reaction at the break that saw her exchange bumps with Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), relegating her to a position towards the rear. Allowed to bowl along, as is his wont, Jack d'Or covered the opening 800 metres in :47.5 seconds, but really picked up the pace from there, clocking an internal half-mile in :46 flat from the 1200m to the 400m while still racing well within himself.

Firmly on top as they hit the Hanshin straight, Jack d'Or continued to find even as Danon the Kid–who had sat a perfect trip one out and one back–came to challenge at the furlong grounds. But under vigorous urging from Take, Jack d'Or kept on doggedly to prevail by the minimum margin. Stars on Earth, on hold on the turn, raced in traffic in the final 300 metres, but charged through between a tiring Hishi Iguazu (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and third choice Weltreisende (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) and rattled home to just fail. She covered her final three furlongs in a race-fastest :34.4 while making her first start since a troubled second in the G1 Shuka Sho when attempting a sweep of the Filly Triple Crown last October. Danon the Kid, who came in on and bothered Killer Ability at the start, held for third.

“I was hoping to take the front if we could get a good start,” said Take, commonly referred to as 'Legend'. “He was a bit keen to go in the first two corners, but raced in good rhythm thereafter. I think it was tough for him because of the headwind in the straight, but I had a feeling that we were able to hold off the chasing horses when we crossed the wire.”

It was an 80th career Group 1 for Take, and, reflecting on that achievement, he said: “I owe it to all the many great horses I was able to ride, and I will do my best to extend this record even further.”

A well-backed fifth in this race last year, Jack d'Or–whose 14 career starts have all come over 10 furlongs–outgamed future G1 Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in the G2 Sapporo Kinen last August before finishing a close fourth to Horse of the Year and recent G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic hero Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) in October. With Take at the controls for the first time, Jack d'Or was a lacklustre seventh in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup when last seen Dec. 11.

Pedigree Notes:

Jack d'Or, purchased for just over $320,000 at the 2019 Hokkaido Selected Yearling Sale, is the fifth top-level winner worldwide for his sire and his third in Japan (Geraldina {Jpn}, a sneaky-good sixth Sunday and top sprinter Pixie Knight {Jpn}). Maurice is also the sire of Hitotsu (Aus) and Mazu (Aus) from his shuttle missions to Arrowfield Stud in Australia. Jack d'Or is the 31st Group 1/Grade I winner out of a daughter of Unbridled's Song, who has also been responsible for Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn) and additional G1SWs Danon Platina (Jpn), Suave Richard (Jpn) and Toho Jackal (Jpn) in Japan.

Bred and raced by Sheikh Maktoum al Maktoum's Gainsborough Farm, Ravarino is a daughter of Sous Entendu, trained for Gainsborough by Criquette Head to a third-place effort in the 1990 G3 Prix de la Grotte who would go on to produce the listed-winning and G2 Dante S. third Slip Stream (Irish River {Fr}) as well as dual US graded winner Porte Bonheur (Hennessy). Jack d'Or's third dam was the champion 2-year-old filly of 1978 in America and the deeper family includes globetrotting multi-jurisdiction Group 1/Grade I winner State of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}); multiple Group 1/Grade I winner Storming Home (GB) (Machiavellian); G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Musical Chimes (In Excess {Ire}); and five-time Grade I winner Music Note (A.P. Indy), the dam of 'TDN Rising Star', G1 Dubai World Cup winner and Darley America stallion Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper).

Ravarino is represented by the once-raced 3-year-old colt Crown Romagna (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), the 2-year-old filly Marino El Dorado (Jpn) (Rey de Oro {Jpn}) and a yearling full-sister to Jack d'Or. The mare, whose last seven foals have been chestnut in colour, is due once again to Maurice for her 2023 produce.

Sunday, Hanshin, Japan
OSAKA HAI-G1, ¥384,860,000, Hanshin, 4-2, 4yo/up, 2000mT, 1:57.40, fm.
1–JACK D'OR (JPN), 128, h, 5, by Maurice (Jpn)
1st Dam: Ravarino, by Unbridled's Song
2nd Dam: Sous Entendu, by Shadeed
3rd Dam: It's in the Air, by Mr. Prospector
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (¥34,560,000 Ylg '19 HOKSEL). O-Toshiyuki Maehara; B-Crown Hidaka Farm; T-Kenichi Fujioka; J-Yutaka Take; ¥203,402,000. Lifetime Record: 14-8-2-0, ¥675,444,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+ (1 SW). Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com pedigree.
2–Stars on Earth (Jpn), 123, f, 4, Duramente (Jpn)–Southern Stars (GB), by Smart Strike. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm; ¥80,972,000.
3–Danon the Kid (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Just a Way (Jpn)–Epic Love (Ire), by Dansili (GB). (¥100,000,000 Wlg '18 JRHAJUL). O-Danox Inc; B-Northern Farm; ¥ 50,486,000.
Margins: NO, NK, 2. Odds: 2.60, 2.40, 31.80.
Also Ran: Matenro Leo (Jpn), Maria Elena (Jpn), Geraldina (Jpn), Hishi Iguazu (Jpn), North Bridge (Jpn), Weltreisende (Jpn), Potager (Jpn), Lagulf (Jpn), Moze Bello (Jpn), Killer Ability (Jpn), Wonderful Town (Jpn), North the World (Jpn), Hindu Times (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart.

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Last year's champion 3-year-old filly Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) has yet to square off with Equinox, but will attract her fair share of support off a preparation that included victories in the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) at the mile and the G1 Yushun Himba over 2400-metres before enduring a luckless passage in the G1 Shuka Sho in October, therefore missing out on the Filly Triple Crown. She has reportedly filled out during her time away, and Equinox's rider Christophe Lemaire is bullish on her chances this weekend.

“She's felt good in training, and I've been pleased with her responses and footwork,” the Frenchman said. “She's a lot bigger now, and as a 4-year-old more like an adult. I look forward to riding her this year.”

Star 4yo filly STARS ON EARTH (Duramente x Southern Stars) final fast ahead G1 2000m Osaka Hai on Sunday

Lemaire in the saddle and he was happy after. Not out to make time, smooth as silk work

Won two classics last year, Japan 1000 Guineas + Oaks pic.twitter.com/mAhpFPOBNn

— Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) March 29, 2023

The fairer sex have won two of the three most recent renewals of the Osaka Hai, and the regally bred Geraldina (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) is another who can add to the tally in her return to the races. A product of two horses of the year, the daughter of the outstanding Gentildonna (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) belied odds of 7-1 to best subsequent G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile heroine Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) in this track's G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) in November and scarcely disgraced herself when a running-on third to Equinox in the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) when last seen on Christmas Day.

“The distance of 2000 metres doesn't rush her into things, and hopefully she'll get into the flow of the race and run well,” said trainer Takashi Saito. “I'm looking forward to what she might be able to do this year.”

The flashy Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), fifth to Potager (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in this race last term, downed future G1 Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in the G2 Sapporo Kinen last August, then wasn't beaten far when fourth behind Equinox and Panthalassa in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) last October. Down the field when well-bet in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, he makes his seasonal debut here.

Hishi Iguazu (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) was fourth in this last April and made just one more appearance, a runner-up effort to the high-class Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June. The lightly raced 7-year-old turned in the perfect prep for this when scoring by 3/4 of a length over the reopposing Lagulf (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) in the G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) Feb. 26.

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Over the last fortnight 41 horses have been sent out by the trainer and 17 of them have returned home with a trophy to add to the cabinet. Most impressively, 10 of those victories have been in stakes races. Taking up where Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Lilac Road (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) left off the previous this week, the stable's runners over the last seven days have won a Group 1, Group 2 and four Listed races, headed of course by Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) trouncing some fairly fancy opposition in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup and Maljoom (Ire) pilfering the G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2,000 Guineas) to become the first Classic winner for his sire Caravaggio.

Haggas is also now the sole custodian in Britain and Ireland of horses in training for the Tsui family's Sunderland Holdings. Their five runners to have taken to the track so far this season have posted some impressive results. Last week alone the half-siblings My Prospero (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and My Astra (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) each won Listed races–the latter by a whopping 12 lengths at Ayr–and those successes followed the All-Weather Mile Championship win of the eldest of the clan, 5-year-old My Oberon (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The latter also won last year's G3 Earl Of Sefton S. before being beaten only a neck when third in the G1 Prix d'Ispahan.

Their dam My Titania (Ire) holds a footnote in racing history as the first black-type winner for her illustrious sire and the Tsuis' pride and joy, Sea The Stars (Ire). He also featured as the sire of another of the Haggas/Sunderland Holdings stakes winners last week, Sea Silk Road (Ire), who was bred by Kildaragh Stud and landed  the Listed Height Of Fashion S.

It will come as a surprise to precisely no-one that Sea The Stars has the makings of a decent broodmare sire, and there has been a flurry of promising activity in this regard of late. He features in this category for the G2 Prix Greffulhe winner Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who is bred on the same cross as another from the Haggas stable, the Group 3 winner and G1 Queen Anne S. entrant Mohaafeth (Ire). Saturday's GIII Galorette S. winner Technical Analysis (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is also out of a Sea The Stars mare.

Currently flying up the broodmare sires' table, however, is Darley's Teofilo (GB), whose daughters have now produced three European Classic winners this season. Following the Guineas double in Newmarket of Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}), Maljoom added to the haul in Cologne.

Legendary Riders Remembered

William Haggas would certainly be the first to admit that his wife Maureen plays a key role in the success of their stable. Her father Lester Piggott was sadly not present to see the unveiling of his statue at the Curragh on Saturday, with Maureen's sister Tracy Piggott performing that honour as her father convalesces in hospital in Switzerland. 

She said of the legendary jockey in Sunday's Racing Post, “He's still constantly watching the racing and is getting a big kick out of seeing how my sister Maureen and William Haggas are flying along.”

Piggott, now 86, was at the Curragh for the opening of the new stand three years ago. His likeness in bronze now stands outside the weighing-room looking towards the track at his request. 

Thoughts also turned to Pat Smullen on Sunday, on the day he would have celebrated his 45th birthday. He, too, would have got a kick out of seeing a runaway Classic winner for Eva-Maria Bucher-Haefner and Dermot Weld, whose stable Smullen was retained by for two decades. The trainer and jockey combined in the Irish 1,000 Guineas victory 16 years ago of Nightime (Ire), who became the first of many Classic winners for Galileo (Ire). 

Smullen rode his first British Classic winner, Refuse To Bend (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), in the Moyglare Stud colours and his long association with the Haefner family extended past his retirement from race riding in 2019 as he was appointed as an advisor to their operation. In the 60th anniversary year of Moyglare Stud there could have been no more fitting Irish 1,000 Guineas winner than Homeless Songs (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), and Bucher-Haefner has a further shot at Classic glory as co-owner of the Moyglare-bred Cheshire Oaks winner Thoughts Of June (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is entered in the Oaks and the Irish Oaks.

Homeless Songs, bred on the same Frankel-Dubawi cross as last year's Derby winner Adayar (Ire), appears to be considered as a miler at most by her trainer, and she certainly exhibited a killer sprint kick in her five-and-a-half-length Guineas romp. Here's hoping she turns up at Royal Ascot to face Cachet and Mangoustine (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the Coronation S. Homeless Songs also provided a first proper Clasic success for Chris Hayes, who rode Moyglare Stud's Search For A Song (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in her first of two wins in the G1 Irish St Leger.

Appleby Wears The Crown

Triple Crown winners may not come along too often in this part of the world, but Charlie Appleby has designed a new Triple Crown all of his own in recording the extraordinary feat of winning the 2000 Guineas in Britain, France and Ireland with three different horses. 

For Godolphin, the Dubawi colts Coroebus (Ire) and Modern Games (Ire) would have been extra satisfying, being homebred sons of the operation's outstanding stallion. But of course Godolphin are also in the business of making stallions, and the Haras d'Haspel-bred Native Trail (GB), as a son of Oasis Dream (GB) from an excellent Juddmonte family, would be a worthy addition to any stallion barn. Moreover, it is always good to see the champion 2-year-old continue to be special at three. 

Havana Ball

When TDN visited Karl Burke in Middleham back in January 2018, Havana Grey (GB) was about a month shy of his third birthday but was delighting his trainer ahead of the season in which he would earn his Group 1 stripes in the Flying Five.
“Havana Grey is as hard as nails,” said Burke at the time. “He's a great character and he loves his work. Right from day one all he wanted to do was gallop…he's a real battler with a lot of natural speed.”

The son of Havana Gold (Ire) had by that stage already proved himself to be a hard-knocking 2-year-old, winning four of his eight juvenile starts, including the G3 Molecomb S., and finishing runner-up to his stable-mate Unfortunately (Ire) in the G1 Prix Morny. His early prowess is now being mirrored–and some–by members of his first crop.
Havana Grey, who stands at Whitsbury Manor Stud, has now streaked to the top of the freshman sires' table with 14 winners already to his credit. The most recent came on Sunday for Michael Bell and Middleham Park Racing with Maylandsea (GB), a grandson of Fiona Denniff's increasingly influential broodmare Hill Welcome (GB) (Most Welcome {GB}. He has also been represented by the highest number of runners, with 35 members of his first crop having already taken to the track, giving Havana Grey a strike-rate of 40% at this early stage of the year.
Another freshman off the mark this week was Cracksman (GB), with two winners coming in quick succession, and two of the first-crop sires are responsible for juveniles that have earned a coveted TDN Rising Star this season.
Following the performance of Tajalla (Ire), a son of Tally-Ho Stud's Kessaar (Ire), at Newmarket in April, a gold star went to the 2-year-old who has posted arguably the most impressive win of them all so far this season. Bradsell (GB), by Shadwell's Tasleet, scorched along the Knavesmire on Saturday to win by nine lengths for Archie Watson. Bred by Deborah O'Brien, who has had Bradsell's family for three generations, he was sold for 12,000gns as a yearling and then was brought back to the breeze-up sales by Mark Grant, who sold him for £47,000 to Tom Biggs at Goffs UK. Top hats are surely being readied by his owners, Primavera.

Trading Classics

While William Haggas was plundering a German Classic on Sunday, German trainer Markus Klug popped over to Rome and came home with the Derby Italiano trophy courtesy of Ardakan (GB). It would have been more appropriate for Ardakan to have won the Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen, the race named after the founding family of Gestut Rottgen, near Cologne, where he is trained and was bred, and where his sire Reliable Man (GB) stands.
This colt does not however bear the colours of Rottgen, which has had his family in its possession for a century. Ardakan was sold to Holger Faust on behalf of Darius Racing for €40,000 at the BBAG Yearling Sale and, clearly appreciating the 1m3f of the Italian Classic, he became the second black-type winner for his dam, the Listed winner Alaskakonigin (Ger) (Sternkoenig).
Klug also trains Ardakan's year-older half-sister Alaskasonne (Fr) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), who is already a Listed winner in her homeland and is entered for Tuesday's G2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud. 

Another Star For International Family

The brilliant racemare Stacelita (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}), a Group/Grade 1 winner in both France and America, provided Frankel with his first top-level winner and first Classic winner when their daughter Soul Stirring (Jpn) won the GI Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) in 2017. 

Five years later the same family was back in the spotlight for that same Classic when Stacelita's grand-daughter Stars On Earth (Jpn) took another step forward in her quest for the Fillies' Triple Crown after adding the Yushun Himba to her victory in the GI Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas). As well as both being bred by Shadai Farm, Soul Stirring and Stars On Earth are connected by their jockey, Frenchman Christophe Lemaire. 

Further enhancing the broad international range of the family, Stars On Earth's dam Southern Stars (GB), a daughter of the late Lane's End Farm stallion Smart Strike, was trained in Newmarket for Teruya Yoshida by John Gosden, and won a Sandown maiden.

In the meantime, the Frankel bandwagon has rolled on at pace and he is now the sire of 21 Group/Grade 1 winners in Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Canada and Dubai.

No Squiggle For Sieglinde

When Timeform announced in October 2020 that its Racehorses annuals would no longer be published, outgoing publishing editor Geoff Greetham said, “When the history of the pandemic comes to be written, the demise of the Timeform annuals will merit no more than a footnote, but to the band of loyal readers and to the generations of writers and photographers who have worked on 'racing's bible' this will undoubtedly be a low point. Nothing lasts forever but the Timeform annuals have stood the test of time for longer than most and will still remain as a permanent written history of the sport.”

Indeed they will, and the annuals which date back to 1948 and are collectors' items, are already sorely missed.

Stepping into the breach, however, is Irish pedigree analyst and writer Dr Sieglinde McGee, who has recently published Best Racehorses of 2021. This is her second annual, containing essays, pedigree notes and breeding details of 220 of the top horses in Europe as well as a review of the season. It is a not only a true labour of love but also an incredibly valuable addition to the libraries of racing and breeding buffs. Copies can be ordered via Amazon. 

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Winner of the 1600-metre G3 Artemis S. at headquarters last October, the bay–whose sire has accounted for 2020 Oaks heroine Daring Tact (Jpn) and reigning Horse of the Year Efforia (Jpn)–came from worse than midfield to post a half-length success in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in December before taking some time off. A sound third to Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) and Pin High (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}) in the G3 Tulip Sho going the metric mile Mar. 5, Circle of Life endured a wide passage from a high draw in the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) last time Apr. 10 and kicked home to be fourth, beaten 3/4 of a length behind Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). She has a much cosier barrier this time in six, and that could just be the difference-maker. Jockey Mirco Demuro goes for a third Oaks in the last four years.

“If she's able to run nicely balanced, she has a great late kick,” said trainer Sakae Kunieda, who won the Oaks in 2010 with Apapane (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) and in 2018 with Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). “She won the Grade 1 at the end of her 2-year-old year but I've always thought she would do better with more distance. The change to Tokyo is a plus and I'm expecting her to do better than she did in her last race.”

JRA 2yo Filly of the year last year, now 3f CIRCLE OF LIFE (Epiphaneia) final fast ahead of the world's richest Oaks, #56

11.1 close on the Miho circle chip…. = tough to beat #HeroIsComing pic.twitter.com/91ercmZAbC

— Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) May 18, 2022

Stars on Earth was runner-up to Lilac (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) in January's G3 Fairy S. and to Presage Lift (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) in the G3 Daily Hai Queen Cup Feb. 12 before overcoming some anxious moments in the straight to just touch off Water Navillera (Jpn) (Silver State {Jpn}) in the Oka Sho. While she had a middle gate in the Guineas, she will have to overcome the widest alley in the Oaks for Christophe Lemaire.

Namur was a disappointing 10th as the favourite in the Oka Sho, but she was done no favours by the barrier draw, as she was never able to get in from the 18 hole. That effort is best taken with a grain of salt. Conversely, Water Navillera sat a clean trip just off the pace last time and was unlucky not to win. She has theoretically the shortest way around from the rail. Yutaka Take has won the Oaks three times, but not since 1996 aboard Air Groove (Jpn).

Sheikh Fahad's lightly raced Art House (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) will have her share of admirers off a visually impressive victory beneath Yuga Kawada in the Listed Wasurenaugusa Sho (2000m) Apr. 10.

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The filly settled in midpack as Kafuji Tetragon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) showed the way with Water Navillera in close pursuit. As the field constricted turning for home, Water Navillera gained control passing the furlong pole as Stars on Earth eagerly searched for racing room a few lengths behind. Finally finding a seam while brushing with rival the lates stages, Stars on Earth dug in late and made it up in time to edge Water Navillera at the wire. Race favorite and Tulip Sho victor Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) had a wide trip near the rear after breaking from the widest stall and improved her position slightly before hitting the straight but lacked a final kick, finishing 10th.

“I'm just so glad that she actually snatched the win at the end–I knew we had caught up but couldn't tell who'd won,” said winning jockey Yuga Kawada, who last won the race in 2014 with Harp Star (Jpn). “I'd been aware during workouts that she was a bit difficult to control but besides keeping that in mind, the plan today was to stay in mid-pack and let her run in a comfortable rhythm. It was definitely her strength and determination that shone and gave us the win today. I'm looking forward to how she develops from here.”

Stars on Earth, a winner in her second career start at Tokyo last October, entered the Oka Sho off a pair of runner-up finishes in 2022 in the Jan. 10 G3 Fairy S. and G3 Queen Cup S. Feb. 12.

Pedigree Notes:
The Shadai homebred is one of two foals out of Southern Stars (GB), a minor winner out of grass champion mare and French Highweight 3-year-old filly Stacelita (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}), a winner of a sextet of Group 1/Grade I races, including the G1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) and GI Beverly D S. That earner of over $2.3 million has also proven prolific in the breeding shed, foaling Japanese champion 2 and 3-year-old filly Soul Stirring (Jpn) (Frankel {GB}) and G3 Schon Glanz (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). With Sunday's Classic victory, Stars on Earth becomes the second Group 1 winner for Duramente and the third group score for the Japanese champion.

Sunday, Hanshin, Japan
OKA SHO (JAPANESE 1000 GUINEAS)-G1, ¥287,420,000, Hanshin, 4-10, 3yo fillies, 1600mT, 1:32.90, fm.
1–STARS ON EARTH (JPN), 121, f, 3, Duramente (Jpn)
1st Dam: Southern Stars (GB), by Smart Strike (CAN)
2nd Dam: Stacelita (Fr), by Monsun (Ger)
3rd Dam: Soignee (Ger), by Dashing Blade (GB)
1ST BLACK-TYPE WINNER, 1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1
WIN. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm; T-Mizuki
Takayanagi; J-Yuga Kawada; ¥157,594,000. Lifetime Record:
6-2-3-1. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Werk Nick Rating: F.
2–Water Navillera (Jpn), 121, f, 3, Silver State (Jpn)–Shining
Sayaka (Jpn), by King Halo (Jpn). O-Masato Yamaoka;
B-Fushikida Farm; ¥59,884,000.
3–Namura Clair (Jpn), 121, f, 3, by Mikki Isle (Jpn)–Sun Queen,
by Storm Cat. O-Mutsuhiro Namura; B-Tanikawa Farm;
¥36,942,000.
Margins: NO, HF, NK; Odds: 13.50, 5.20, 13.50.
Also Ran: Circle of Life (Jpn), Pin High (Jpn), Personal High (Jpn), Belle Cresta (Jpn), Alluring Way (Jpn), Sublime Anthem (Jpn), Namur (Jpn), Presage Lift (Jpn), Kafuji Tetragon (Jpn), Cross Majesty (Jpn), Voller Blute (Jpn), Anegohada (Jpn), Lilac (Jpn), Raspberry Mousse (Jpn), Lovely Your Eyes (Jpn).
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Click for the JRA chart and video.

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