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 (Yasuda Kinen):

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 Yasuda Kinen is conducted at the 1600m turf course. Starting gate is set at the top of the backstretch and distance from the starting gate to the entrance of far turn is 550m. While it is analyzed there is no draw bias, statistics shows middle numbers are preferable. Tempo tends to be moderate at this course. The distance from the exit of far turn to winning post is 525.9m. 160m long sharp rise, with difference in height of 2m, begins at around 400m to 300m from home. Final 300m is flat. This is recognized as “tough mile”, and is analyzed runners are required stamina to stay 2000m, even though the actual distance is 1600m.

Last year’s Yasuda Kinen was conducted on good ground with 18 runners. While moderate pace was set by a front runner, SODASHI tracked the leader from third position and SCHNELL MEISTER was settled at 15th position. SONGLINE was at 9th position as the field turned into homestretch, rallied strongly, making up ground on stand side, and hit the front at 100m to post. SONGLINE kept storming home and won by one and a quarter of lengths. SERIFOS tracked leaders from 4th position, found his way one off the rail in the late stage and finished second. SCHNELL MEISTER was too late and finished third.

Spring meeting at Tokyo Racecourse started on 20th April and the day of Yasuda Kinen is the 14th day of the meeting. Rain is forecasted through the week to Yasuda Kinen. Please be advised to pay attention on the update of weather.

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