On May 22, G1 Satsuki Sho winner Justin Milano will attempt to secure his second crown in the G1 Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse. In his final track work leading up to the big race, he effortlessly ascended the hill course at Ritto Training Center, clocking 4F in 54.2 seconds with a final furlong in 12.1 seconds. Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi utilized his "golden pattern" of intense training a week prior, followed by lighter work leading up to the race. This will be Tomomichi's fourth attempt at the Derby crown, while jockey Keita Tosaki seeks his first victory, partnering with the undefeated Kizuna colt, who has won all three of his starts.

The outlook for achieving an undefeated dual crown is promising. After securing the Satsuki Sho with a flawless 3-for-3 record, Justin Milano completed a solo run on the Ritto hill course with a smooth stride, maintaining focus throughout. He clocked 4F in 54.2 seconds, 3F in 39.0 seconds, and a final furlong in 12.1 seconds. Following Tomomichi's preferred method of a hard workout a week before (6F in 81.6 seconds with a final furlong in 11.3 seconds on the Ritto woodchip track) and lighter training leading up to the race, Justin Milano is in peak condition for the big event.

Trainer Tomomichi expressed satisfaction, saying, "It was just to get his breathing right and to stretch his stride naturally. He moved well and clocked the exact time we wanted." He added, "He had a tendency to get keen in the Satsuki Sho, but with the calming exercises we've done since, he's running more relaxed," indicating that Justin Milano is well-prepared for the G1 Japanese Derby.

Although Justin Milano has become the clear favourite for the Japanese Derby, he wasn't initially seen as a standout in his generation. When he joined the stable last September, he still had the looseness typical of a large horse, and Tomomichi's initial assessment was "average." However, after winning his debut race, he showed remarkable growth over the winter, with Tomomichi noting, "He was the fastest-growing horse we've ever had." Justin Milano's breakthrough came when he defeated 2-year-old Champion Jantar Mantar in the Kyodo Tsushin Hai, marking him as a serious Classic contender.

Justin Milano cemented his status as a top contender with his performance in the Satsuki Sho, where he tackled multiple challenges, including four turns and a large field, to win in a record time of 1:57.1. "There were many first-time experiences, and we were worried about how he would perform, but he was stronger than we expected," Tomomichi said, acknowledging the colt's high ability.

Now, as they approach the Derby, they are confident despite becoming the ones to beat. Justin Milano's undefeated record at Tokyo Racecourse (2-for-2) leaves no room for doubt. Trainer Tomomichi, who holds the most wins in the Japanese Derby as an active trainer with three (Makahiki in 2016, Wagnerian in 2018, and Do Deuce in 2022), noted, "He has the same on/off clarity as the other three Derby winners." He added, "What sets him apart from the previous three is his ability to secure a good position on his own," expressing strong confidence.

If Justin Milano wins, he will be the eighth horse in history to achieve an undefeated dual-crown, and he will complete a historic first with three generations of champions, following his sire Kizuna and grandsire Deep Impact. "We've prepared without any issues, and we are determined to achieve this," Tomomichi concluded. The Kizuna colt, trained by a Derby expert, is set to rise to the top among 7,906 horses of his generation.