TRACKSIDE WORLDWIDE

Elite Sprinters and Kentucky Derby Hopefuls Take Centre Stage Sprinting stole the spotlight in Japan on Sunday, March 30, at Chukyo Racecourse in the Grade 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen over 1,200 meters. It’s rare for a short-distance race to headline a card, but this one came with high expectations. Last year’s winner, Mad Cool, and Lugal victor of Japan’s other major Group 1 sprint in 2024, the Sprinters Stakes - were backed by many to repeat their success. However, neither managed to fire late. Instead, it was Satono Reve who surged to victory, claiming his first Group 1 win after showing promise in previous outings.

Most notably, Satono Reve had finished third in December’s Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin, trailing only two of the world’s elite sprinters: Ka Ying Rising and Helios Express. Anyone who noted his strong showing in that race would have felt confident heading into Sunday’s feature, especially with superstar jockey Joao Moreira aboard once again. The six-year-old stallion found another gear in the final furlong, pulling away from Namura Clair, who had to settle for second place for the third consecutive year. It was another masterful ride by the "Magic Man," who will remain in Japan for the next few weeks. Moreira hopes to repeat last year’s triumph in the Grade 1 Oka Sho (April 13), where he guided Stellenbosch to victory. This week, he’ll partner with Stellenbosch again in the Grade 1 Osaka Hai over 2,000 meters, aiming to continue his winning streak. The next month of Japanese racing promises plenty of excitement, with many top horses making their seasonal returns in the coming weeks.

Across the Pacific, U.S. flat racing is entering a crucial phase, with horses vying for spots in the Kentucky Derby. In Japan, the local road to the Derby concluded on Saturday, March 29, when Luxor Cafe claimed victory in the Listed Koichi Nishikawa Stakes, securing his place at the top of the local leaderboard. The win guarantees his connections a coveted bid in the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Sandman stamped himself as a serious Derby contender by winning the $1.5 million Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. His victory propelled him to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard. Trainer Mark Casse was glowing with praise for the highly regarded colt, while Brad Cox, trainer of Tappan Street, was equally optimistic. He claimed victory in the Florida Derby on the same day, adding more intrigue for punters ahead of the May 3 showdown.

One thing most punters agree on, however, is Ka Ying Rising’s place among the world’s top sprinters. The David Hayes-trained gelding claimed his 11th consecutive victory with a dominant performance in the Group 2 Sprint Cup. Not only was it an emphatic win, but it also marked a triumphant return for Zac Purton, who had been sidelined by injury. Purton was forced to watch from the stands when Ka Ying Rising won the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup in February. However, the Australian jockey wasted no time making an impact in his comeback ride, showcasing why he remains Hong Kong’s leading rider. While Purton’s return is great news for racing fans and his associated runners, it means rival jockeys who had thrived in his absence - will once again have to contend with the masterful reinsman. One such jockey is Richard Kingscote, who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to ride against Hong Kong’s elite at Sha Tin if not for the injuries sustained by Purton and others in a nasty pile-up. The British rider managed a string of three wins last week but was ultimately shut out over the weekend.

written by Joe Bell