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 Yasuda Kinen (Naohiro Goda)


S2-1 Yasuda Kinen

The most important factor to consider before placing a wager in the G1 Yasuda Kinen is, will LORD KANALOA - arguably one of the best sprinters in the world – be as good over 1,600m as he is over 1,200m?

LORD KANALOA won the G3 Hankyu Hai over 1,400m at Hanshin Racecourse very easily in February. In fact, he ran in a listed race over 1,600m at Nakayama in January 2011 and finished second, although the competition was weak. We have seen a considerable number of horses who have won major races over 1,200m and 1,600m in the past, notably DURANDAL who won the G1 Sprinters Stakes in 2003 and Mile Championship in 2004. In addition, his versatile sire KING KAMEHAMEHA has sent out winners of major races at middle distances, such as RULERSHIP, winner of the APQEII Cup, a 2,000m international G1 at Sha Tin. His second dam, SARATOGA DEW, was also a two-time G1 winner over 1,800m in the U.S.A.

As the facts suggest to me the trip over 1,600m should not be problem, so my first choice is LORD KANALOA.

My second choice is GRAND PRIX BOSS, whom I understand is the best older miler in Japan at present. The 1,600m course at Tokyo is the stage for him to show his true ability, as he was good second in G1 Yasuda Kinen last year, and was the winner of G1 NHK Mile Cup, which takes place over the same course and same distance as the Yasuda Kinen. I was very impressed seeing him win the G2 Yomiuri Milers Cup on April 21st, which was his seasonal debut, as he is recognized to be a horse who needs races to get 100% fit.

Another interesting contender, trained by the same trainer as GRAND PRIX BOSS is DAIWA MAGGIORE, who is improving significantly. After finishing second in three Graded Stakes, he finally won his first Graded Stakes, winning the G2 Keio Hai Spring Cup on May 11th at Tokyo. He likes Tokyo Racecourse, where he has collected two wins from three starts. Given the 128 pounds, which he carries for the first time, does not prove too much, I think DAIWA MAGGIORE has good chance to finish in the first three.

My fourth choice is SADAMU PATEK ridden by Yutaka Take, who won his fifth Derby last Sunday, May 26th. SADAMU PATEK is very good on his day, and if he can reproduce the form which saw him win the G1 Mile Championship last November, would have a very good chance.

The performance of GLORIOUS DAYS in G1 Champions Mile in Hong Kong on May 5th was disappointing for me. I thought at that time, he would have no chance in the Yasuda Kinen, as it looked like he was off his game after a long season. However, the Hong Kong double triumph in Singapore on May 19th has now changed my mind. I am now convinced it could prove costly to ignore top horses from Hong Kong in any international races, and I have included GLORIOUS DAYS in my selections as my fifth choice.

SELECTIONS: 10. LORD KANALOA, 7. GRAND PRIX BOSS, 17. DAIWA MAGGIORE, 18. SADAMU PATEK & 6. GLORIOUS DAYS

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