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.

Expert Column for Sprinters Stakes (S2-1) (Naohiro Goda)

S2-1 Sprinters Stakes

As there is no outstanding sprinter in Japan currently, the G1 Sprinters Stakes on 1 October looks to be very open and four or five horses have lively chance to win.

When I read through the list of initial entry for G1 Sprinters Stakes, which was announced on 17 September, I liked SOLVEIG, who finished third in 2016 edition, beaten only head and neck by the winner, the best in 23 entrants and thought she should be my first choice. However, it is a shamed she failed to get in the field.

The replacement of SOLVEIG, as my first choice, is RED FALX, who tries to achieve the back-to-back win of G1 Sprinters Stakes. After finishing third in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in March, he won the G2 Keio Hai Spring Cup over 1,400m at Tokyo in May impressively. And then, developed new ground for him, finishing third in the G1 Yasuda Kinen over 1,600m at Tokyo in June, which gave me the impression that this 6YO by SWEPT OVERBOARD is still improving. I am not worried about the fact that he has not run since June, because he did not run since the G3 CBC Sho on 3 July 2016 when he won the Sprinters Stakes 12 months ago, and I believe he is the horse who does not need a prep race.

DANCE DIRECTOR, winner of the G3 Silk Road Stakes in 2016 and 2017, ran well in the G2 Centaur Stakes on 10 September at Hanshin, finishing third, despite it was his first start since January. He has been trained well at Ritto Training Center since then and he is my second choice.

It is not very easy to measure BLIZZARD, the raider from Hong Kong. He is neither champion sprinter nor the winner of the G1 in Hong Kong. On the other hand, the standard of sprinters in Hong Kong is very high, and BLIZZARD finished fourth in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup, prestigious race with the highest standard over 1,400m at Sha Tin earlier this year. If I can make the assumption that BLIZZARD is the horse whose ability is three lengths inferior to champion sprinter in Hong Kong, I think he still has good chance to finish in first three on Sunday.

I understand Sheikh Mohammed’s FINE NEEDLE should not be neglected. And you must be impressed if you have chance to watch the video of the G2 Centaur Stakes at Hanshin on 10 September. FINE NEEDLE failed to leave the gate quickly, which is disadvantage in the race over 1,200m, and was still able to win by one and a quarter of length.

If MELAGRANA re-produces her form when she won the G3 Ocean Stakes, taken place at the same course and same distance as G1 Sprinters Stakes in March, I believe she has good chance to finish in first five.

SEIUN KOSEI, winner of the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in March, should be respected and I might be wrong to exclude this 4YO by ADMIRE MOON from the list of my choices. However, what I do not like about him is he has not run since the G3 Hakodate Sprint Stakes on 18 June. SEIUN KOSEI was well beaten in Hakushu Stakes in October 2016, which was the first start since 3 July 2016, and I reckon he is the horse who needs a prep race to gain his full fitness.

SELECTIONS: 8. RED FALX, 16. DANCE DIRECTOR, 12. BLIZZARD, 13. FINE NEEDLE & 9. MELAGRANA

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