In the 5th race at Niigata, two-year-old colt Danon Kilauea dominated the field to win by a length and a quarter on his first career start. The son of Lord Kanaloa raced in third position throughout, he eased away from the field in the last 300 metres. A full brother to G1 NHK Mile Cup winner, Danon Scorpion, he was a well-touted newcomer and was sent to post as the overwhelming 1/5 favourite.

Jockey Yuga Kawada commented, "He's a horse with great potential. He's still young, and if he continues to mature with time, he'll be a horse to watch in the future."