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 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (S2-1) (Naohiro Goda)

S2-1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen

Although we are missing GRAN ALEGRIA, second finisher in this race twelve months ago, there are many attractive sprinters in the field and this is very exciting renewal of Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

My favourite is RESISTENCIA, whom I believe the fastest horse in the field. The filly by DAIWA MAJOR won G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies by five lengths, breaking track record, in December 2019 and was awarded as 2019 JRA Champion 2YO Filly by a unanimous vote. Many of us thought she should be one of the best 2YO fillies we had ever seen.

In reversal, 2020 was a frustrating season for RESISTENCIA, who finished second both in G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) and G1 NHK Mile Cup, after which hairline fracture was found on her left ankle and she was sidelined for six months. There are clear excuses about her poor performance in G1 Mile Championship in November, as it was her first start since May and first start against older horses.

I am sure 2021 is the year of resurrection for RESISTENCIA. Her seasonal debut was G3 Hankyu Hai on 28th February at Hanshin and her performance there was absolutely brilliant. She won by two lengths, breaking track record, and impressed us the champion is back.

LORD KANALOA in 2013 and COPANO RICHARD in 2014 completed the double of Hankyu Hai and Takamatsunomiya Kinen, and I believe RESISTENCIA will follow the foot steps of those great sprinters.

The horse to beat for RESISTENCIA is DANON SMASH, the second Japanese sprinter to win G1 Hong Kong Sprint after LORD KANALOA, sire of DANON SMASH. Apart from Hong Kong Sprint last December, DANON SMASH has won six Graded Stakes over 1,200m to 1,400m, and it is no doubt he is the most consistent sprinter in training in Japan. Though he has not run since December, I have got positive reports from Ritto Training Centre, where DANON SMASH is trained very well.

MALTESE DIOSA, who was runner-up to RESISTENCIA in G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in 2019 and won two Graded Stakes in 2020, finished second in G2 Hanshin Cup over 1,400m in December. I think it was a good effort, because it was first time for her to compete against male and older horses. Although the filly by KIZUNA has never run a race over 1,200m, I think she is competitive in this field and she is my third choice.

LAUDA SION, winner of G1 NHK Mile Cup last May, is a good horse, provided the track is anti-clockwise. While his best trip may be 1,400m, I think the colt by REAL IMPACT has chance to finish in first four in Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

And my fifth choice is DANON FANTASY, Champion 2YO Filly in 2018. Her super sire, DEEP IMPACT, has won 21 out of 22 G1 Stake on turf in annual racing calendar at JRA and the missing piece for DEEP IMPACT to complete all G1s is Takamatsunomiya Kinen. DANON FANTASY, who won G2 Hanshin Cup over 1,400m impressively in December, could be the final piece for her sire.

SELECTIONS: 16. RESISTENCIA, 14. DANON SMASH, 15. MALTESE DIOSA, 10. LAUDA SION & 6. DANON FANTASY

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