‘Premium’ Looks to Stay Perfect in Japanese Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

Despite missing an intended appearance in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) with a slight hoof injury, Danon Premium (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) will start a warm favourite to take his unbeaten streak to five in Sunday’s G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) over 2400 metres.

The blaze-faced brown colt ran the table in three tries as a juvenile and locked up year-end honours with a facile defeat of Stelvio (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity last December. He returned to action in the Mar. 4 G2 Yayoi Sho (2000m) at Nakayama and sat a soft trip off a loose leader before striding out to easily best the running-on and previously unbeaten Wagnerian (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Gendarme (Kitten’s Joy). He figures to be prominent in the run from gate one as he tries the 12-furlong distance for the first time.

“He was a bit tense last time, as well as wanting to get on with things, but it’s all experience and he won well, which I was relieved about,” said jockey Yuga Kawada. “I’ve never ridden a horse like him before with such improvement. Just the way he’s developing and growing is really something. My job is to keep him calm and know when to switch him on and off.”

Epoca d’Oro (Jpn), a son of 2011 Derby winner Orfevre (Jpn), has risen through the grades this season, progressing from a February allowance score to drop a nose decision to Stelvio in the G2 Spring S. (1800m) Mar. 18. The dark bay exits a two-length defeat of Sans Rival (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) in a strangely run renewal of the Satsuki Sho, as he gained first run on a trio of leaders and proved easily best. Epoca d’Oro will race left-handed for the first time Sunday.

WATCH: Epoca d’Oro gets first run to win the Satsuki Sho

Blast Onepiece (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) is unbeaten in his three career appearances and has a rare course-and-distance allowance victory to his credit. The scopey bay stepped up in class for the G3 Mainichi Hai Mar. 24 and raced handy to the pace before literally scraping paint in upper stretch and going on to a two-length tally.

Stelvio (19.1-1) and Wagnerian (10.8-1) each merit consideration, particularly at what appear to be overlaid odds in ante-post wagering. The 27-10 second choice in the Satsuki Sho, Stelvio had just two behind through the middle stages, but finished well to be fourth. A victory would mean a remarkable Oaks/Derby sweep for his sire, whose daughter Almond Eye (Jpn) validated odds-on favouritism last weekend.

Wagnerian was the slight favorite in the Guineas and came home seventh while not being able to extend his stride fully. The rain-affected turf may have worked against him that afternoon and he should appreciate the added 400m of the Derby. He is one of three in the race for the 2005 winner, who has since sired a trio of Derby winners in the last six years (Deep Brillante, 2012; Kizuna, 2013; and Makahiki, 2016).

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