Tag: Yuga Kawada

Favourable Prognosis At Sapporo

Many of the 15 horses signed on for Sunday's G2 Sapporo Kinen were on trial for future events on foreign soil, and while the lion's share of those toiled in the tricky underfoot conditions, Shadai Race Horse's Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was the one standing tallest at the finish as he galloped home a decisive winner.

Winner of the G2 Kinko Sho over the 2000 metres in March, Prognosis accepted an invitation to Hong Kong for the G1 FWD QE II Cup the following month, and, with record-setting Zac Purton at the controls, ran on from the back to finish two lengths adrift of the G1 Cox Plate-bound Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}).

Void of early speed, Prognosis managed to get all the way down onto the fence after leaving from gate 13 and raced last but one around the first turn as Unicorn Lion (Ire) (No Nay Never) crossed over from the 15 hole to head them off, as expected. Sensing a moderate pace over a course that had taken plenty of rain, Yuga Kawada asked Prognosis for a middle move at the halfway stage, and the team rallied one off the inside to race just ahead of midfield and just to the outside of the 3-year-old Top Knife (Jpn) (Declaration of War) nearing the third corner. Unicorn Lion hoisted the white flag 600 metres out, and Top Knife took advantage, but Kawada had Prognosis poised four wide at the head of the straight and opened up on them late. Fellow Shadai runner So Valiant (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) outfinished G1 Dubai Turf runner-up Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) for third. The winner would be a likely runner in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) Oct. 29 and a return trip to Hong Kong for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup is a distinct possibility.

Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was using the Sapporo Kinen as a possible steppingstone to the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, but struggled home 11th and was later found to have displaced. He will undergo a corrective procedure and his Breeders' Cup status is in doubt. Win Mighty (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}) holds Cups entries in Australia, but beat just two home Sunday.

Pedigree Notes:

Shadai acquired Velda subsequent to her daughter Vorda's runner-up effort in the 2013 Prix Morny and victory in that year's G1 Cheveley Park S. Prognosis is the fourth Shadai-bred produce for Velda, and she is also represented by a 2-year-old colt by Orfevre (Jpn), her final live foal, as she sadly passed away in April 2022.

Sunday, Sapporo, Japan
SAPPORO KINEN-G2, ¥135,500,000, Sapporo, 8-20, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:01.50, gd.
1–PROGNOSIS (JPN), 128, h, 5, by Deep Impact (Jpn)
1st Dam: Velda (GB), by Observatory
2nd Dam: Viavigoni (GB), by Mark of Esteem (Ire)
3rd Dam: Val d'Erica (Ire), by Ashmore (Fr)
O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm; T-Mitsumasa Nakauchida; J-Yuga Kawada; ¥71,050,000. Lifetime Record: G1SP-HK, 10-6-2-1, $2,295,015. *1/2 to Vorda (Fr) (Orpen), Hwt. 2yo Filly-Fr, G1SW-Eng, GSW & G1SP-Fr,  Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com pedigree.
2–Top Knife (Jpn), 121, c, 3, Declaration of War–Be Wind (Jpn), by Spinning World. (¥24,200,000 Ylg '21 HOKSUM). O-Koji Yasuhara; B-Kineusu Farm; ¥28,300,000.
3–So Valiant (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Orfevre (Jpn)–So Magic (Jpn), by Symboli Kris S. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shadai Farm; ¥18,150,000.
Margins: 4, 3, 3/4. Odds: 4.10, 48.60, 6.90.
Click for the JRA Chart.

The post Favourable Prognosis At Sapporo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

JRA Raiders Take On NAR Star Mick Fire In Japan Dirt Derby

Both the the Japan Racing Association and National Association for Racing circuits were well represented on the international stage this winter and spring, with JRA representative Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) winning the G2 UAE Derby ahead of a meritorious sixth in the GI Kentucky Derby, while the NAR-based Mandarin Hero (Jpn) (Shanghai Bobby) covered himself in glory by nearly winning the GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby before gaining a run at Churchill Downs. While those two continue to rest up, Wednesday's $721,752 Japan Dirt Derby at Ohi Racecourse about 10 miles south of Tokyo's Imperial Palace is very much an us-versus-them contest, as seven horses from the JRA take on a quartet from the NAR.

The 'senior circuit' has provided four of the last five winners of the Derby and 10 out of the last 12, and the progressive Yuttitham (Jpn) (Justify) stands ready to add to those stats under the Wednesday night lights. The striking chestnut son of US Grade I winner Zipessa (City Zip) was purchased by Makoto Kaneko for the equivalent of $1.8 million at the 2021 JHRA Select Yearling Sale and has won three of his four starts to date, including a 2 1/2-length allowance success going Tokyo's one-turn mile first off a five-month absence May 14 (see below, SC 6). His lone loss to date came at the hooves of UAE Derby fourth Perriere (Jpn) (Henny Hughes), who bounced back to take out the G3 Unicorn S. last month. Leading JRA rider Yuga Kawada retains the call.

 

 

 

Like Yuttitham, Mitono O (Jpn) (Logotype {Jpn}) has tasted defeat just one time to date and rides a three-race winning streak into the Derby. The chestnut won the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby series with a victory in the Fukuryu S. (conditions) Mar. 25, but connections elected to bypass the trip to the States, and the colt exits a romping six-length success from Kirinji (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in listed company over an extended nine furlongs at Sonoda May 3 (see below, SC 6).

 

 

The locally based Mick Fire (Jpn) (Sinister Minister) is undefeated and untested in five career appearances, all at Oi Racecourse. Three-from-three least term, he most recently defeated Hero Call (Jpn) (Hokko Tarumae {Jpn}) by a half-dozen lengths in the Tokyo Derby over this course and distance June 7 (video, SC 12). The latter had beaten Mandarin Hero in a February allowance at Oi.

 

 

Following this year's renewal, the Japan Dirt Derby will be the final leg of the NAR Dirt Triple Crown and will be similarly structured to the JRA Triple Crown on turf. The Haneda Hai will take place in April or May followed by the Tokyo Derby in June. The Dirt Derby will conclude the series in October. Mick Fire won this year's Haneda Hai prior to his Tokyo Derby score. Any horse to sweep the series will receive an ¥80 million bonus.

The post JRA Raiders Take On NAR Star Mick Fire In Japan Dirt Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Meisho Hario Runs Down Crown Pride In Teio Sho

Produced wide off the final corner, Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro) knuckled down late and was shoved across the line by Suguru Hamanaka to just touch off perfect-trip Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach the Crown {Jpn}) to become the first horse to successfully defend his title in the 2000-metre Teio Sho at Ohi Racecourse. T O Keynes (Jpn) (Sinister Minister), fourth at 1-2 last year and the 2-1 favourite this time around, kicked on strongly between the top two in the final 30 metres, but was forced to settle for third.

Meisho Hario bounced alertly from gate four, but drifted back through the field, as Silk Racing's well-backed Promised Warrior (Jpn) (Majestic Warrior) made the running. Crown Pride, the 2022 G2 UAE Derby winner, landed in the box seat for Yuga Kawada, while T O Keynes raced in that one's slipstream a few lengths in arrears. Riding for luck into the straight, Kawada sent Crown Pride through inside of a weakening Promised Warrior with a furlong to travel and set sail for the wire, but Meisho Hario kept grinding away farther out into the track and got the better of the bobber.

Meisho Hario returned 18-1 when besting mutliple G1 Dubai World Cup placer Chuwa Wizard (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) in this event 12 months ago and closed the season with a third to future World Cup hero Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) in the Dec. 29 G1 Tokyo Daishoten over Wednesday's course and distance. An excellent third to Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) in the G1 February S. Feb. 19, Meisho Hario was exiting a victory in the Listed Kashiwa Kinen at NAR Funabashi May 4.

A half-brother to T O Royal, third to Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in the 2022 G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200 metres, Meisho Hario has a 2-year-old half-brother by Drefong, a yearling half-brother by Bricks and Mortar and a half-sister by Rey de Oro (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) foaled May 17. Third dam Amizette (Forty Niner), a full-sister to former Japanese-based stallion Twining and a half to American champion Althea, produced European MGSW King of Rome (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and US GSW/GISP Super Espresso (Medaglia d'Oro).

Wednesday's Results:
TEIO SHO (Jpn-G1)-Listed, ¥136,000,000 (£745,008/€862,648/$941,392), Oi, 6-28, 4yo/up, 2000m, 2:01.90, gd.
1–MEISHO HARIO (JPN), 126, h, 6, Pyro–Meisho Ohi (Jpn), by Manhattan Cafe (Jpn). O-Yoshio Matsumoto; B-Mishima Bokujo;   T-Inao Okada; J-Suguru Hamanaka; ¥80,000,000. Lifetime Record: MGSW & MG1SP-Jpn, 22-9-2-4, ¥451,305,000. *1/2 to T O Royal (Leontes {Jpn}), GSW & G1SP-Jpn, $1,322,843.
2–Crown Pride (Jpn), 126, c, 4, Reach the Crown (Jpn)–Emmy's Pride (Jpn), by King Kamehameha (Jpn). O-Teruya Yoshida; B-Shadai Farm; ¥28,000,000.
3–T O Keynes (Jpn), 126, h, 6, Sinister Minister–Maxim Cafe (Jpn), by Manhattan Cafe (Jpn). O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Yanagawa Bokujo; ¥16,000,000.
Margins: NO, HD, 4. Odds: 2.90, 6.30, 2.00.
Click for the goracing.jp chart.

 

The post Meisho Hario Runs Down Crown Pride In Teio Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Duramente’s Liberty Island Romps In Japanese Oaks

The G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) was not without its challenges for last month's G1 Japanese 1000 Guineas heroine Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) as she was trying a distance beyond a mile for the first time, but ultimately the 2400 metres held no fears, as she strolled home a sixth-length winner in 2:23.10 in Tokyo.

Sunday Racing's imperious dame became the 17th filly–following her paternal half-sister Stars On Earth (Jpn) in 2022–to win the first two legs of the Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown. It was the largest winning margin in the Oaks since 1975.

Bet down to 2-5 favouritism, the Mitsumasa Nakauchida trainee strode out to a dramaless beginning to sit in midfield as Light Quantum (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) clicked off fractions of :22.80 and :47.70 and 1:00 flat while stalked by Kiminonawa Maria (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) and Ravel (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). The strong pace saw the field well spaced out, and, the 2-year-old star had a fair amount of distance to make up as noses pointed toward home. Predictably, the pacesetter came under pressure from the stalkers with 600 metres left to run, and pilot Yuga Kawada was poised aboard an enthusiastic Liberty Island as the leading trio began to come back to the field.

Swung out into the six path to obtain a clear run, Liberty Island loomed up into contention at the quarter pole as Ravel took up the running on the front end, and finally Kawada asked his filly for her bid after remaining motionless for the previous 2000 metres. Generous when asked, Liberty Island collared Ravel at the furlong grounds and dashed away to a stylish victory. Harper (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Dura (Jpn) both closed well to take second and third, by six lengths, and a neck, respectively. Group winner Ravel hung on gamely in fourth, another three-quarters of a length back.

“Having run the Oka Sho and being transported here to Tokyo for another big race, the filly was quite tense coming into this race, so I had to make an effort to reserve her energy and calm her down before the race,” said jockey Yuga Kawada, who was winning his 23rd top-level race. “She settled well once in the gate, allowing us to make a safe start, and we were able to race in good rhythm while I still had the task of keeping her under control up to the critical stages. I knew we were already in a position to finish clear of the other horses once taking the lead, but I wanted her to finish off the race strongly to the wire so I kept driving her to the wire which led to a big margin.”

A winner of a Niigata newcomer affair over a mile last July, Liberty Island suffered her only defeat at the hooves of Sunday's fourth-place finisher Ravel (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in the G3 Artemis S. going that trip in Tokyo in October. Kept in training through December, she swept the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies by 2 1/2 lengths, and was named the 2022 Japanese Champion 2-Year-Old Filly. The Northern Racing-bred bay made her 3-year-old bow a winning one in the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) in early April, and the Yushun Himba was her first start beyond a mile.

Pedigree Notes

With every season that passes, the loss of dual Classic-winning sire Duramente to the Japanese industry and wider bloodstock world becomes more apparent. Liberty Island is one of five Group 1 winners for the 2015 Japanese Champion 3-Year-Old Colt. His stakes winners number 14, 10 of them at group level. Besides Liberty Island, Stars On Earth and Titleholder (Jpn) have also claimed Classic laurels in the Land of the Rising Sun.

The second foal out of Australian Champion 2-Year-Old Filly and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Yankee Rose (Aus) (All American {Aus}), Liberty Island's year-older half brother Romneya (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is a winner, and her dam produced a colt by Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) in 2021 and a filly by Kizuna (Jpn) last year. A winner of the G1 Inglis Sires and G1 Spring Champion S., she was covered by Japanese Triple Crown Winner Contrail (Jpn) last spring.

A half-sister to Group 3 winner Miravalle (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), Yankee Rose traces her damline to 1981 G1 Yorkshire Oaks winner and G1 Irish Oaks runner-up Condessa (Ire), by the Luthier (Fr) horse Condorcet (Fr).

 

Sunday, Tokyo, Japan
YUSHUN HIMBA (JAPANESE OAKS)-G1, ¥325,180,000, Tokyo, 5-21, 3yo, f, 2400mT, 2:23.10, fm.
1–LIBERTY ISLAND (JPN), 121, f, 3, by Duramente (Jpn)
                1st Dam: Yankee Rose (Aus), by All American (Aus)
                2nd Dam: Condesaar (Aus), by Xaar (GB)
                3rd Dam: Condescendance, by El Gran Senor
O-Sunday Racing; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); T-Mitsumasa
Nakauchida; J-Yuga Kawada; ¥177,426,000. Lifetime Record:
Ch. 2yo Filly-Jpn, 5-4-1-0, ¥429,472,000. Click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick
   Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Harper (Jpn), 121, f, 3, Heart's Cry (Jpn)–Seresta (Arg), by
Jump Start. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (¥86,000,000 Wlg '20
JRHAJUL). O-M's Racing; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥67,830,000.
3–Dura (Jpn), 121, f, 3, Duramente (Jpn)–Isis (Jpn), by King Halo
(Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Cypress Holdings;
B-Grande Farm (Jpn); ¥41,918,000.
Margins: 6, NK, 3/4. Odds: 0.40, 7.80, 102.40.
Also Ran: Ravel (Jpn), Shinryokuka (Jpn), Hip Hop Soul (Jpn), Kona Coast (Jpn), So Dazzling (Jpn), Doe Eyes (Jpn), Remige (Jpn), Golden Hind (Jpn), Perifania (Jpn), Emu (Jpn), Mikki Gorgeous (Jpn), Kita Wing (Jpn), England Eyes (GB), Light Quantum (Jpn), Kiminonawa Maria (Jpn).
Click for the JRA chart & video.

 

The post Duramente’s Liberty Island Romps In Japanese Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights