 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 Arima Kinen (S1-1) (Naohiro Goda)
S1-1 Arima Kinen
The Arima Kinen is a year-end championship race in Japan, carrying a total purse of 1,085,000,000 yen, approximately HK$53.95 million. Although it is regrettable that DO DEUCE was withdrawn due to a minor injury on Friday, this is still an exciting renewal, as the field includes nine G1 winners, which have won twelve G1 races in total.
My favorite is STUNNING ROSE. She won the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup by two lengths at Kyoto last time out. In the last ten editions of the Arima Kinen, fillies and mares have performed quite well, including GENTILDONNA, LYS GRACIEUX, and CHRONO GENESIS. Additionally, Nakayama is favorite track for STUNNING ROSE, as she has raced there for three times and won two of those races. It is also encouraging that Ryan Moore is booked for her.
My second choice is DANON DECILE, who won the G1 Japanese Derby by two lengths. Although he was finished sixth in the G1 Kikuka Sho at Kyoto last time out, it was his first start since Japanese Derby. It is clear that he needed that race, and his morning track work at Ritto Training Center on 11th December, when he was breezed for 6 furlongs and clocked 82.5 seconds, was much sharper than before the Kikuka Sho.
This is final career start for SHAHRYAR. SHAHRYAR traveled to the United States, where he finished third in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf last time out, and this seems like the same path as twelve months ago. SHAHRYAR was able to finish fifth in the Arima Kinen last year. In fact, his condition is much better this year. I believe he will perform better this year, and SHAHRYAR is my third choice.
My fourth choice is STARS ON EARTH. She finished third in the G1 Japan Cup and then finished second in the G1 Arima Kinen in 2023. However, she finished seventh in this year’s Japan Cup, which is slightly poorer than her performance last year. I believe she is still capable of finishing in the top five.
My fifth choice is ROUSHAM PARK, who was narrowly beaten, finishing second in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf last time out. Nakayama is his favorite track, as he has raced there five times and won three of those races.
SELECTIONS: 13. STUNNING ROSE, 1. DANON DECILE, 16. SHAHRYAR, 7. STARS ON EARTH & 6. ROUSHAM PARK
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.
