Seventh favourite Shin Emperor showed a powerful stretch run to finish third in the G1 Japanese Derby. He was slow out of the gate and ended up further back than anticipated. "I thought it would be a slow pace, so I wanted to get a forward position, but the timing from the gate didn't work out and we ended up in that position," said jockey Ryusei Sakai. He tried to recover by focusing on rhythm, but admitted, "I'm frustrated that we couldn't win, especially since his condition was so good."

Trainer Yoshito Yahagi revealed future plans, saying, "It will be discussed with the owner, but I'm thinking of heading to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (October 6 at Longchamp) with Ryusei (Sakai). We're considering prepping with a run in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (September 14 at Leopardstown) before the main race. I believe we have a strong chance." Susumu Fujita, president of CyberAgent and the owner, posted on his X account, "Of course, we're going." Shin Emperor is a full brother to Sottsass, the 2020 Arc winner. Carrying Japan's high hopes, Shin Emperor will cross the sea in pursuit of a historic brotherly triumph.