Classic Rematch in Tokyo Yushun

[Wandering Eyes]

The top three finishers from the Apr. 14 G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) return to do battle in Sunday’s G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), and while the winner of that first colts’ Classic, Saturnalia (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is an ominous favourite touting an unbeaten record, he is far from a lock. The dark bay scaped home by just a head at Nakayama while hanging slightly in the closing stages, and appears to have scared off no one with a full field lining up here. The Satsuki Sho was, however, Saturnalia’s first start since winning the G1 Hopeful S. in December over the same trip, and his pedigree suggests the added two furlongs should suit: he is out of the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) winner Cesario (Jpn) (Special Week {Jpn}), who has already produced the G1 Japan Cup and G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) winner Epiphaneia (Jpn) (Symboli Kris S). Assistant trainer Yasuyuki Tsujino said, “He did lean a bit in the closing stages last time, but there are still things to work on with him. It’s no easy thing to win a Classic race, but he showed he has the ability and power to do so.”

The Satsuki Sho runner-up Velox (Jpn) (Just a Way {Jpn}) made an excellent account of himself while jumping into Group 1 company for the first time, and being out of a Monsun (Ger) mare should help ensure he enjoys the added distance. His trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida has won the Derby four times, including last year with Wagnerian (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

“He ran a strong race last time and was slightly hampered on the run to the line,” said assistant trainer Teruhiko Saruhashi. “Since his last run, he’s been at the stable, and we’ve been able to work him strongly, so I think he’s going to come on for this.”

The Satsuki Sho third Danon Kingly (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) lost his unbeaten record last time, but he was not disgraced being a head and a nose behind Saturnalia and Velox, and he returns to the course over which he has two wins, including the G3 Kyodo News Hai on Feb. 10.

Lion Lion (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) bypassed the Satsuki Sho and took the route of a Derby prep into this, the G2 Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho, which he won on Apr. 27 over the Derby course and distance.

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