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 (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 some 400m to 300m from home, it is simply wishful thinking for any front-runner that fails to clear 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 500m stretch run on the backside before reaching the only turn, thus runners still have plenty of time to either drop towards the rail or sought for cover, and an outside stall is still more than manageable.

The track was listed as good in last year’s Yasuda Kinen. GRAN ALEGRIA, laying just off the early pace, tipped out while turning for home, took command at the 300m marker, and rolled home in style. Whereas champion mare ALMOND EYE and 2019 Yasuda Kinen winner INDY CHAMP, rated too far back, could only made up some ground to check in second and third respectively, NORMCORE, the 2020 Hong Kong Cup heroine, also had her speed harnessed way too much early, and though delivering one the most eye-catching late moves, was only fourth-best.

Reviewing the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) last Sunday, the turf at Tokyo was clearly favouring horses that rally 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 Yasuda Kinen would hopefully be contested on firm turf. Should the weather oblige as such, this turf strip would act just like the previous weekend.

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