Danon Decile joins two other Derby winners set to run in the G1 Arima Kinen
Wednesday, 18 December, 2024 17:01
Danon Decile (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
For the second consecutive year, the prestigious G1 Arima Kinen will feature three generations of Japanese Derby winners. Last year marked the first time in Arima Kinen history that three Derby champions lined up, with Do Deuce, the 2022 winner, securing a commanding victory. As Do Deuce prepares for his final race and draws overwhelming support, the other two Derby winners, Danon Decile (2024) and Shahryar (2021), are ready to challenge and stake their claims to glory.
This year's Japanese Derby winner, Danon Decile, aims to cap his breakout season by conquering the year-end Grand Prix. Overflowing with potential, the 3-year-old colt bounced back from adversity earlier this year, earning his place among the sport's elite. His popularity has soared, as evidenced by his selection as the second-most-voted horse by fans for the Arima Kinen.
Danon Decile's journey has been far from smooth. After being scratched at the gate in the G1 Satsuki Sho due to a right forelimb issue, he entered the Japanese Derby as a 9th favourite. However, he quickly silenced any doubts, delivering a dominant performance.
Positioned perfectly in a forward spot, Danon Decile settled under jockey Norihiro Yokoyama, conserving his energy for the final stretch. When the moment came, he unleashed a powerful burst of speed, leaving his rivals trailing by over two lengths to become the standout among 7,906 contenders.
Despite the triumph, his campaign for a second Classic crown in the G1 Kikuka Sho ended in disappointment. Sent off as the race favourite, he finished 6th in a chaotic and fluctuating race. Falling back during the mid-stages, he launched a late charge but ultimately came up short. A reflective Yokoyama admitted, "It was the worst kind of flow, but he gave everything he had. This horse has a bright future, and I'll fight to make it right next time."
Determined to redeem himself, Danon Decile has undergone meticulous preparations for the Arima Kinen. In a sharp piece of work one week prior, he clocked 6F in 82.5 seconds, finishing strongly with a final furlong in 11.1 seconds under Yokoyama at the Ritto Training Center woodchip track. On Tuesday morning, he tackled the slope course with ease, setting the stage for his final track work session on December 18.
Trainer Shogo Yasuda commented on their progress, "Today was about assessing his response to what we've done so far, both physically and mentally, as we prepare for tomorrow's gallop."
Teaming up with Yokoyama, Danon Decile aims to become the first Japanese Derby winner to claim the Arima Kinen since Sakura Laurel in 1996. With his boundless potential and growing maturity, the colt is ready to close a turbulent yet thrilling year on a high note.
This year's Japanese Derby winner, Danon Decile, aims to cap his breakout season by conquering the year-end Grand Prix. Overflowing with potential, the 3-year-old colt bounced back from adversity earlier this year, earning his place among the sport's elite. His popularity has soared, as evidenced by his selection as the second-most-voted horse by fans for the Arima Kinen.
Danon Decile's journey has been far from smooth. After being scratched at the gate in the G1 Satsuki Sho due to a right forelimb issue, he entered the Japanese Derby as a 9th favourite. However, he quickly silenced any doubts, delivering a dominant performance.
Positioned perfectly in a forward spot, Danon Decile settled under jockey Norihiro Yokoyama, conserving his energy for the final stretch. When the moment came, he unleashed a powerful burst of speed, leaving his rivals trailing by over two lengths to become the standout among 7,906 contenders.
Despite the triumph, his campaign for a second Classic crown in the G1 Kikuka Sho ended in disappointment. Sent off as the race favourite, he finished 6th in a chaotic and fluctuating race. Falling back during the mid-stages, he launched a late charge but ultimately came up short. A reflective Yokoyama admitted, "It was the worst kind of flow, but he gave everything he had. This horse has a bright future, and I'll fight to make it right next time."
Determined to redeem himself, Danon Decile has undergone meticulous preparations for the Arima Kinen. In a sharp piece of work one week prior, he clocked 6F in 82.5 seconds, finishing strongly with a final furlong in 11.1 seconds under Yokoyama at the Ritto Training Center woodchip track. On Tuesday morning, he tackled the slope course with ease, setting the stage for his final track work session on December 18.
Trainer Shogo Yasuda commented on their progress, "Today was about assessing his response to what we've done so far, both physically and mentally, as we prepare for tomorrow's gallop."
Teaming up with Yokoyama, Danon Decile aims to become the first Japanese Derby winner to claim the Arima Kinen since Sakura Laurel in 1996. With his boundless potential and growing maturity, the colt is ready to close a turbulent yet thrilling year on a high note.
Article Creds:Daily Sports