Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in pedigree and overseas international racing. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Horse Racing – Results’, ‘Simulcast Preview'’ and Simulcast oversea races.

Tokyo Racecourse – Track Analysis (Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)):

Japan’s Tokyo Racecourse, a vast venue with an extended homestretch exceeding 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 some 400m to 300m from home, 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, this is a fair track presenting an equal chance for any running style or post position.

Last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), when the track was listed as firm, post-time favourite CONTRAIL, finding a sweet spot on the rail just off the early lead, tipped out at the top of the lane, rallied home strongly, and sealed the deal by the 200m marker. While SALIOS closed strongly from way off the pace and out wide to check in second, WELTREISENDE, hounding CONTRAIL the whole way, was clearly out-gamed by the winner in deep-stretch, and could only settle for third.

Reviewing the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) on 23rd May over the same course and distance as the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) contested over a firm strip, the eventual tierce – UBERLEBEN, AKAITORINO MUSUME and HAGINO PILINA – all dropping towards the back of the pack, before launching their bids through the middle or outside parts of the course, a sign that clearly favoured closers to fly home fast from out wide.

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 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) would hopefully be contested on good to firm goings, and it remains interesting to see if the closers would still get a slight edge on the competition.

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.