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.

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

Tokyo Racecourse is an anti-clockwise oval track with two chutes that rejoin the main course for 1800m and 2000m races respectively. One of the renowned features for Tokyo Racecourse is its extended homestretch over 525.9m, which is the second longest in JRA's tracks, only after outer track at Niigata. In addition, the homestretch is going uphill and the final 300m is the highest point, front runners usually find it difficult to make all if they are failed to run away from the field early in the straight. Overall, Tokyo Racecourse is recognized as a fair and straightforward track, where true ability of runners reflects to the result genuinely.

G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) is conducted at the 2400m turf course. Starting gate is set at 317m before the finishing line on the homestretch and the distance from the starting gate to the beginning of the near turn is 350m. Wide draw is not preferable at this course and distance.

There is a sharp rise in the middle of the backstretch with difference in height of 1.5m which comes suddenly after the 600m downslope beginning at the early part of the near turn. Meanwhile, there is a 160m long sharp rise begins from the top of the homestretch, although the final 300m is flat. In all, Tokyo is a fair track, where true ability of runners reflects on the result straightforwardly. However, front runners find it difficult to make all and it is a tough task to both the runners' speed and stamina, especially for the reason that they are required to climb uphill for two times over 2400m. Those with sharp acceleration at the final part of race generally get the upper hand.

Last year’s Tokyo Yushun was conducted on good ground with 18 runners. SOL ORIENS, with Takeshi Yokoyama in the irons was settled at sixth position and SKILFING ridden by Christophe Lemaire dwelt coming out of stalls and was settled at 13th position. TASTIERA who tracked leaders from fourth position, responded well when Damian Lane started to drive him and hit the front at a furlong pole. SOL ORIENS delivered strong challenge on the stand side, however, the wire arrived just in time for TASTIERA, who won by a neck. SOL ORIENS finished second.

Spring meeting at Tokyo Racecourse started on 20th April and the day of Tokyo Yushun is the twelfth day of the meeting. Rain is forecasted through the week to Tokyo Yushun. Please be advised to pay attention on the update of weather.

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