 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 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (S1-1) (Naohiro Goda)
S1-1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas)
It is common recognition at horse racing society in Japan that this is one of the most exciting renewals of the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), first leg of Triple Crown for 3YOs, as the field includes five unbeaten colts and winners of almost all major prep races, such as the G2 Spring Stakes, the G2 Yayoi Sho, the G3 Kisaragi Sho, and the G3 Kyodo News Hai. I am convinced that the quality of field is the best ever I have seen in the history of this race. And I am sure the feature of this fascinating entertainment is the long-awaited showdown between two titans, CONTRAIL and SALIOS.
CONTRAIL, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, one of the leading trainers based at Ritto, is bred by Koji Maeda’s North Hills and carries the silk of Shinji Maeda, brother of the breeder. The colt by DEEP IMPACT is the third foal out of RHODOCHROSITE, whom Koji Maeda bought at Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2011 for USD$385,000, and his second dam is FOLKLORE, winner of the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and American Champion 2YO Filly in 2005.
SALIOS, trained by Noriyuki Hori, one of the leading trainers based at Miho, is bred by Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm and has been running for Silk Racing Co. Ltd., one of racing syndications under the umbrella of Northern Farm. The colt by HEART’S CRY is fourth foal out of SALOMINA, winner of the G1 German Oaks whom Katsumi Yoshida bought privately when the mare was in training.
Both of CONTRAIL and SALIOS was unbeaten through three starts, including two Graded Stakes last year. While CONTRAIL, winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes over the same course and distance as Satsuki Sho in December, is awarded as JRA Champion 2YO Colt, and SALIOS is given the highest rating at Japanese 2YOs Ranking in 2019. And both of them come straight to Satsuki Sho without having any prep race. It is hard to choose one from two horses, both of whom keep prefect race record, trained by skillful handlers, and have wonderful pedigree as their background, though, I found a distinction at their sires' records. While DEEP IMPACT has sent two winners and three second finishers of Satsuki Sho, colts by HEART’S CRY have never finished in first three in Satsuki Sho, in contrast to the fact that HEART’S CRY has sent a winner and two second finishers of the G1 Tokyo Yushun. Since Satauki Sho is not a favourable race for HEART’S CRY colts, I select CONTRAIL as my first choice.
The performance by SATONO FLAG in the G2 Yayoi Sho over the same course and distance as Satsuki Sho on 8th March impressed me the most among the winners of prep races for Satsuki Sho. In addition, SATONO FLAG established a new track record of 2YOs of 2,000m at Tokyo Racecourse when he won the maiden last November, and it is another impressive performance by the colt by DEEP IMPACT. I believe SATONO FLAG is a class horse and he is my third choice.
Four out of last ten winners of Satsuki Sho prepped at the G3 Kyodo News Hai, and DARLINGTON HALL, winner of this year’s Kyodo News Hai at Tokyo on 16th February, is my fourth choice.
And WELTREISENDE, who was runner-up to CONTRAIL in the G1 Hopeful Stakes, is my fifth choice.
SELECTIONS: 1. CONTRAIL, 7. SALIOS, 5. SATONO FLAG, 13. DARLINGTON HALL & 17. WELTREISENDE
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