Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Banker’, ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Tokyo Racecourse – Track Analysis (Yasuda Kinen):

Japan’s Tokyo Racecourse, a vast venue with an extended homestretch measuring 525m, does not feature any tight corners throughout. Horses possessing good closing speed can still make their moves from way out wide just before turning for home. That said, with a subtly ascending stretch drive from 400m to 300m, it is simply wishful thinking for any frontrunner that fails to open up against the pursuing pack soon enough at the top of the lane to make all the running. Overall, Tokyo is a fair track presenting an equal chance for any running style or post position.

For the featured 1600m Yasuda Kinen, the field will have a full 400m stretch run on the backside before reaching the only turn, thus runners still have plenty to time to either drop towards the rail or sought for cover, and an outside stall is still more than manageable.

In the 2019 running of the Yasuda Kinen, when the track was listed as firm, INDY CHAMP, finding a cozy spot on the rail just off the early lead, switched for a gap in the thick of the strip hitting the 400m marker, and barely hunt down AEROLITHE in the shadow of the wire, while the mighty ALMOND EYE, who stormed home from way back and out wide down the stretch, was late to the scene for third.

Reviewing the races on the Japanese Derby Day last Sunday, track bias was only minimal at Tokyo. With ominous and occasional showers teasing through as of late, but which will relinquish to sunny skies just in time on Sunday, this year’s edition of the Yasuda Kinen would hopefully be contested on firm turf. Should the turf strip oblige as such, runners breaking from the inside stalls, while sent to the front early, will still get a slight edge.

Disclaimer:
The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.