Renowned trainer Sakae Kunieda, who achieved the Triple Tiara twice with Apapane in 2010 and Almond Eye in 2018, has yet to win the G1 Japanese Derby. With his mandatory retirement due to age approaching in February 2026, he has only two more opportunities to clinch this coveted title. This year, he aims to fulfil this dream with Sixpence, the undefeated Spring Stakes champion. Here's what Kunieda had to say about his chances and Sixpence's progress:

Interviewer - "What growth have you noticed in Sixpence recently?"

Trainer Kunieda - "He's become more robust. He has a more distinguished presence overall."

Interviewer - "Horses that win the Japanese Derby often show significant growth around this time of year."

Trainer Kunieda - "Absolutely. Even when he won the Spring Stakes, he did it easily, and he's continued to grow. He still has room for improvement, which is encouraging."

Interviewer - "The Spring Stakes win seemed effortless."

Trainer Kunieda - "Winning so decisively in a slow-paced race shows he's above that level. I think he'll be competitive even at the top level."

Interviewer - "You opted to skip the G1 Satsuki Sho to ensure he's in top condition for the Japanese Derby."

Trainer Kunieda - "That's correct. He's fine now, but he did have some issues with his legs before."

Interviewer - "Are you confident heading into the Derby?"

Trainer Kunieda - "Yes, very much so. I'm curious to see how jockey Yuga Kawada reacts. He's a Derby-winning jockey, so his judgment will be key."

Interviewer - "How does this horse compare to your previous Derby challengers?"

Trainer Kunieda - "He's one of the best, comparable to Satono Reinas. She was a top-class filly, by Deep Impact, and I thought the longer distance suited her well."

Interviewer - "Satono Reinas finished fifth as the second favourite."

Trainer Kunieda - "She got into a good position from a wide draw, but then jockeys Mirco Demuro and Yutaka Take made their moves, and she went too early. She still finished fifth, but it was a missed opportunity. I watched the race again just yesterday because it still stings."

Interviewer - "What does the Japanese Derby mean to you?"

Trainer Kunieda - "The Derby is the epitome of horse racing. It's a race every horseman dreams of winning. As Winston Churchill once said, 'It is harder to become the owner of a Derby winner than to be the Prime Minister of England.' Every horse has just one chance at it, which makes it special."

Interviewer - "What are your thoughts on the upcoming race?"

Trainer Kunieda - "There are potential concerns like his first time running at Tokyo, the left-handed track, and the new distance. But I believe his ability will compensate for these. I trust Yuga Kawada completely."

Interviewer - "You have two more chances before your mandatory retirement in February 2026."

Trainer Kunieda - "I also have Aaron's Rod in the two-year-olds, but I'd love for Sixpence to win this year so I can approach next year's Derby with less pressure."

Trainer Sakae Kunieda is determined to capture his first G1 Japanese Derby with Sixpence, confident in the colt's ability and the guidance of jockey Yuga Kawada.