Erato aims to gift Saxon Warrior first JRA graded stakes title in G2 Shion Stakes
Friday, 06 September, 2024 00:31
Erato (C)Netkeiba
Can Saxon Warrior's progeny secure their first Japan Racing Association graded stakes victory? The in-form filly Erato (3yo filly) is aiming for her first major title in the G2 Shion Stakes after back-to-back wins in the condition classes.
Erato is by Saxon Warrior out of Elaya, with Siyouni as her damsire. She hails from an illustrious bloodline, as her aunt Ervedya was a three-time G1 winner in Europe, capturing the 2015 French 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, and the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
To date, Erato has recorded 3 wins from 7 starts. It took her four races to break her maiden, and she finished a disappointing 9th in the G2 Tulip Sho in a step-up in class. However, after a freshening spell, she bounced back strongly. In her penultimate start, she made all the running to win the 1 Win Class Yurappu Tokubetsu comfortably, followed by a strong performance in the 2 Win Class Hokkai Handicap, where she won from a stalking position. With these two consecutive victories, the G1 Shuka Sho is now firmly in her sights. A powerful type for a filly, she has good size and strength, making the switch from Hakodate's heavy turf to the firmer ground of Nakayama's opening weekend a key factor. However, her potential is undeniable.
Saxon Warrior, her sire, is a son of Japan's legendary Deep Impact. Undefeated in his first four starts, he won the 2017 Racing Post Trophy and the 2018 English 2000 Guineas. However, his form dipped afterwards, with five consecutive losses before retiring to stud in 2019. Internationally, he has found some success, notably through Victoria Road, who won the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2022. However, Saxon Warrior's progeny have yet to claim a JRA-graded stakes race. With her current form, Erato could be the one to deliver her sire's much-anticipated first major title in Japan.
Erato is by Saxon Warrior out of Elaya, with Siyouni as her damsire. She hails from an illustrious bloodline, as her aunt Ervedya was a three-time G1 winner in Europe, capturing the 2015 French 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, and the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.
To date, Erato has recorded 3 wins from 7 starts. It took her four races to break her maiden, and she finished a disappointing 9th in the G2 Tulip Sho in a step-up in class. However, after a freshening spell, she bounced back strongly. In her penultimate start, she made all the running to win the 1 Win Class Yurappu Tokubetsu comfortably, followed by a strong performance in the 2 Win Class Hokkai Handicap, where she won from a stalking position. With these two consecutive victories, the G1 Shuka Sho is now firmly in her sights. A powerful type for a filly, she has good size and strength, making the switch from Hakodate's heavy turf to the firmer ground of Nakayama's opening weekend a key factor. However, her potential is undeniable.
Saxon Warrior, her sire, is a son of Japan's legendary Deep Impact. Undefeated in his first four starts, he won the 2017 Racing Post Trophy and the 2018 English 2000 Guineas. However, his form dipped afterwards, with five consecutive losses before retiring to stud in 2019. Internationally, he has found some success, notably through Victoria Road, who won the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2022. However, Saxon Warrior's progeny have yet to claim a JRA-graded stakes race. With her current form, Erato could be the one to deliver her sire's much-anticipated first major title in Japan.