Japan Expert - Naohiro Goda

Naohiro is a leading journalist and commentator in Japan with regular television shows on networks such as NHK Network and Green Channel. He is a regular contributor for newspapers, magazines and websites including Sports Nippon, Weekly Gallop, and netkeiba.com. He also operates a bloodstock business marketing firm. Naohiro is a frequent international racing traveler and a regular visitor to the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

Overseas Expert Column for Takamatsunomiya Kinen (Naohiro Goda)

S2-1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen

All racing fans in Japan are looking forward to welcoming Hong Kong challenger AEROVELOCITY who is lining up in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

Three of the top ten leading turf sprinters in the world in 2014, were Hong Kong-based horses, according to the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Ranking issued by IFHA. That number equals Australia, who also had three of the top ten sprinters in the rankings, and we are convinced the standard of Hong Kong sprinters is very high. We are also very excited to be given the chance to see AEROVELOCITY, who was given a rating 118, the sixth highest in the division of turf sprinters.

AEROVELOCITY is arguably the best horse in the field of Takamatsunomiya Kinen, as the best Japanese sprinter is COPANO RICHARD who holds a rating 117, a point below AEROVELOCITY, and we know Hong Kong horses are able to adopt to different surroundings easily, as we have seen wonderful performances by Hong Kong sprinters in international events in recent years. I think however, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen is going to be a tough race for the speed-ball from Hong Kong.

The factor I am worried about him, is the anti-clockwise track, which AEROVELOCITY has not run around since April 2012, when he ran in his home nation, New Zealand. We have seen some good sprinters from the United States, where all tracks are anti-clockwise, but could not handle the clockwise track at Nakayama, when they competed in the G1 Sprinters Stakes, and we know it is not easy to handle an unfamiliar bend.

My first pick is MIKKI ISLE. He is the winner of the G1 NHK Mile Cup over 1,600m, and has never run a distance shorter than 1,400m. However, he has natural speed which we have seen on several occasions, and I liked his performance in the G3 Hankyu Hai on 1st March. On that occasion he could use his natural speed tactically, being settled nicely near to the track leaders, and then delivering a strong challenge in the closing stage of race, despite the track being heavy, which is unfavourable for him.

STRAIGHT GIRL is consistent, finishing third in this race last year, second in the G1 Sprinters Stakes last October, and third in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, which was a wonderful performance. Though she has not run since December, it is reported that she has trained beautifully at the Ritto Training Centre, and I believe she will finish in first two.

Another horse who has potential ability to win this race is ROBE TISSAGE. She tends to become hot in the parade ring, and can be reluctant to go into the starting gate. If she is relaxed however, and everything goes smoothly until the start of race, I think she will run a big race on Sunday.

It was disappointing to see LITTLE GERDA ran so poorly in Hong Kong in December. Her performances last summer were so impressive, and I believe she is capable of returning to her best.

Heavy ground helped COPANO RICHARD when he won this race 12 months ago. The weather forecast says there will be very little rain until Sunday in the Nagoya area, and I think COPANO RICHARD has no chance on quick ground.

SELECTIONS: 16. MIKKI ISLE, 18. STRAIGHT GIRL, 4. AEROVELOCITY, 3. ROBE TISSAGE & 1.LITTLE GERDA

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