Clash of the titans: G1 Tokyo Yushun showcases Japan's top three-year-old colts
Tuesday, 23 May, 2023 19:30
Projected favourite of the Derby, Sol Oriens (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
A full field of 18-runners will go to post for the G1 Japanese Derby spearheaded by G1 Satsuki Sho (2000 Guineas) winner Sol Oriens. The son of Kitasan Black is sure to face a stern test as the finest three-year-old colts Japan has to offer face off at Tokyo Racecourse on May 28th at 3:40pm JST.
Here are some of the major contenders for the G1 Tokyo Yushun.
Sol Oriens will be aiming to add the second leg of the colt's Classics and maintain his unbeaten record. In Satsuki Sho, he displayed a blistering turn-of-foot inside the last three furlongs to win by an ever-increasing length and a quarter. Tokyo racecourse will suit his race style considering the wide turf course. Takeshi Yokoyama will be onboard once again, and the duo will attempt to become the first unbeaten Derby winner since Contrail in 2020.
Skilfing, also a son of the emerging breeding juggernaut, Kitasan Black, will be heavily fancied to secure Classic glory after an emphatic G2 Aoba Sho win. Although the Aoba Sho is a Derby Trial, winners of the race have historically not fared well in the Classic, it is run over the Derby course and distance. Can Skilfing break the jinx of Aoba Sho winners failing to win the Japanese Derby? Christophe Lemaire will continue his partnership with Skilfing in the Derby.
Phantom Thief won his first graded title in the G3 Kyodo Tsushin Hai back in February. Sent off as favourite, he finished third in the Satsuki Sho coming from well off the pace and suffering interference along the way. Expectations are high for him to get revenge in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Yutaka Take replaces C. Lemaire in the saddle as Lemaire has chosen to remain on Skilfing.
Other notable contenders, just to name a few, are Tastiera, runner-up in the Satsuki Sho and Satono Glanz, the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai winner. Dura Erede, winner of G1 Hopeful Stakes as a juvenile and Shonan Bashitto, the winner of the Wakaba Stakes.
Here are some of the major contenders for the G1 Tokyo Yushun.
Sol Oriens will be aiming to add the second leg of the colt's Classics and maintain his unbeaten record. In Satsuki Sho, he displayed a blistering turn-of-foot inside the last three furlongs to win by an ever-increasing length and a quarter. Tokyo racecourse will suit his race style considering the wide turf course. Takeshi Yokoyama will be onboard once again, and the duo will attempt to become the first unbeaten Derby winner since Contrail in 2020.
Skilfing, also a son of the emerging breeding juggernaut, Kitasan Black, will be heavily fancied to secure Classic glory after an emphatic G2 Aoba Sho win. Although the Aoba Sho is a Derby Trial, winners of the race have historically not fared well in the Classic, it is run over the Derby course and distance. Can Skilfing break the jinx of Aoba Sho winners failing to win the Japanese Derby? Christophe Lemaire will continue his partnership with Skilfing in the Derby.
Phantom Thief won his first graded title in the G3 Kyodo Tsushin Hai back in February. Sent off as favourite, he finished third in the Satsuki Sho coming from well off the pace and suffering interference along the way. Expectations are high for him to get revenge in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Yutaka Take replaces C. Lemaire in the saddle as Lemaire has chosen to remain on Skilfing.
Other notable contenders, just to name a few, are Tastiera, runner-up in the Satsuki Sho and Satono Glanz, the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai winner. Dura Erede, winner of G1 Hopeful Stakes as a juvenile and Shonan Bashitto, the winner of the Wakaba Stakes.