 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 Yasuda Kinen (S2-1) (Naohiro Goda)
S2-1 Yasuda Kinen
As there was no Japanese-trained runner on Champions Day at Sha Tin six weeks ago, there is no Hong Kong horse in the field of the 70th running of the G1 Yasuda Kinen, which is a shamed, since the racing fans in Japan look forward to watching BEAUTY GENERATION to compete at Tokyo. It is very good news to hear that the greatest miler in Hong Kong is kept in training with David Hayes next season and we hope to see BEAUTY GENERATION in June 2021.
It was great to watch ALMOND EYE made a hugely impressive return to action at Tokyo three weeks ago, when the super mare won the G1 Victoria Mile by four lengths, while Christophe Lemaire on saddle didn’t use his whip. In fact, she came through thorny path since last autumn, as her trip to Hong Kong was cancelled at the last minutes, due to carrying high temperature, experienced crushing defeat in the G1 Arima Kinen in December, and the G1 Dubai Turf was called off after she arrived at Meydan. However, the negative chain was wiped out by herself and the Queen of Turf is restored. Though it is slight concern that Yasuda Kinen might come too soon after the Victoria Mile, the report from Miho Training Centre, where ALMOND EYE has been trained in last three weeks, is throughout positive. As she is kept in top form, I believe ALMOND EYE is unbeatable.
While it is easy for me to select ALMOND EYE as my favourite, it is perplexing to evaluate and select second through fifth choice, because the mile division in Japan has depth now and there is a few attractive milers in the field.
After due consideration, I select GRAN ALEGRIA, one of three female in the field and winner of three Graded Stakes including the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) over 1,600m at Hanshin last year, as my second choice. The turn of foot she displayed on homestretch of the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen on 29th March at Chukyo was very impressive, and I believe she can run even better on the coming Sunday, as I feel the trip of 1,200m was too short and the extra 400m is beneficial for her.
It was disappointing for me to see INDY CHAMP was well beaten in the G1 Hong Kong Mile in December, since I expected the winner of the G1 Yasuda Kinen and the G1 Mile Championship in 2019 should be competitive at the world stage. He won the G2 Yomiuri Milers Cup at Kyoto on 26th April and proves that the potential for defending his title is still remaining. INDY CHAMP is my third choice.
DANON PREMIUM, who was runner-up to ALMOND EYE in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn and to INDY CHAMP in the G1 Mile Championship last autumn, travelled to Australia and finished good third in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on 11th April, although the track was very wet unfavorably. The Japanese Champion 2YO Colt in 2017 is still full of vigour and DANON PREMIUM is my fourth choice.
As like ALMOND EYE, ADMIRE MARS, winner of the G1 Hong Kong Mile in December, travelled back from Dubai after the G1 Dubai Turf was cancelled and it means Yasuda Kinen is the first start for him since Hong Kong Mile. He was well beaten in the G3 Fuji Stakes in prior to making the trip to Hong Kong last autumn and I reckon he is the horse who need a race to regain 100% fitness after long absence. I cannot rate him higher than fifth choice.
SELECTIONS: 5. ALMOND EYE, 11. GRAN ALEGRIA, 6. INDY CHAMP, 1. DANON PREMIUM & 9. ADMIRE MARS
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