The biggest racing event anywhere in the world this weekend is the Tokyo Yushun, the Japanese Derby, the richest Derby on the planet.
Not only is it worth some $US 3.3 million in prizemoney, it is one of the biggest betting races all year, anywhere – the Japanese will bet for than $US 300 million on the 12-race card with over $US200 million of that on the Derby.
The race is always interesting from a form point of view as the main lead-up to the 2,400m left-handed classic at the big Fuchu track is the Japanese 2,000 Guineas, or Satsuki Sho, a right-handed 2,000m race on a smaller track at Nakayama.
The beaten equal favourites in the Satsuki Sho were last season’s champion two-year-old Leontes, demoted from fourth to fifth after causing minor interference, and Satono Diamond, who ran third to 30-1 shot Dee Majesty and the other favourite Makahiki.
One opinion says that Leontes is a questionable stayer but he led that Satsuki Sho in a strong tempo and into a gale force wind, with the first two home coming from the back of the field, so he can improve.
Hugh Bowman rides Azur Rose, who will stay, but lacks the class of the favourites and will be an each way chance at good odds.
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, all eyes will be on Joao Moreira, two wins short of his record from last season and likely to break the 145 mark this Sunday, and on the new Group Three, the Lion Rock Trophy.
The Lion Rock Trophy has assembled a very worthy field, missing only Giant Treasure, who is spelling, and Contentment, who is in Japan for next week’s Yasuda Kinen. Beauty Only, Beauty Flame, Rewarding Hero are all regular solid performers in the Group One miles, there are number of solid older handicappers and three-year-old Rapper Dragon, arguably the most exciting youngster in Hong Kong, takes on his biggest test yet.
The Class Two ,1,200m also looks a terrific and deep race with the clash of Hammer King, Racing Supernova and Washington Heights, as well as John Moore’s eye-catching debut third Mr Bogart.
By Nathan Mody
