The dark brown colt made only his second start in the 2,000-metre test (about 1 1/4 miles) and confirmed the promise he had shown by winning by three lengths on his debut on November 9 at Kyoto Racecourse. It was also the first Grade 1 victory for his aptly named father World premierea son of Deep impact.
The future indeed looks hopeful for owner Forest Racing and trainer Haruki Sugiyama.
This Hopeful was always rated as something of a toss-up, with none of the 16 starters having won as much as a Class 2 race earlier in their careers and several, like Lovcen, taking their first victories. The result confirmed that if the two favorites, On the sensor And Justin Vistafinished seventh and eighth respectively.
Lovcen, from the Giant’s Causeway mare Songwritingsaved ground along the rail, far back in the field, through the early furlongs of the Hopeful. Jockey Kohei Matsuyama, who won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1T) two weeks earlier on board Star aniseneeded space as the field rounded the bend.
Just at the right moment, space opened up on the outside and Matsuyama filled the gap, abruptly shifting his colt to the center of the course and approaching 200 meters. Lovcen did the rest. He quickly kicked into gear, hit the front in the final strides and won by three-quarters of a length, finishing in 2:01 on grass rated good to firm.
Strong angelwho made his third start, finished second. Ask Edinburghone of the most experienced runners in the field, finished third in his sixth start.
Matsuyama said the trip went as he had hoped.
“I was hoping he would break well, run in a good rhythm and still have plenty left in the tank, and I’m glad he did,” the rider said. “He had shown a remarkable turn in training, so I knew he would have the strength to overtake the leaders.”
Lovcen’s debut victory came with different tactics. On a raw, rainy day in Kyoto, Matsuyama released the foal from the start. He led all the way, turning back challenges with ease during the stretch turn and winning when he got away.
“As his first win made more than ground, the colt proved his versatility today, so we have a lot to look forward to in his future starts,” Matsuyama said after presenting the Hopeful trophy.
Before the race, trainer Sugiyama had Lovcen pinned down, except perhaps for how much ground he still had to cover during the stretch run.
“He’s switched on… and I think he’s going to do well here,” Sugiyama said. “He doesn’t have to lead, but he will be at the front. I think Nakayama suits him.”
The Hopeful was the last of three December Grade 1 classes for Japanese 2-year-olds and the most important for horses eligible for next year’s Japanese Classics and beyond.
The honors list of winners includes the eventual winner of the 2011 Dubai World Cup (G1) Victory of Pisa Winner of the 2014 Japan Cup (G1T). Epiphaneia Winner Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1T) 2017 Golden King 2020 Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail and winner of the 2025 Japanese Derby Northern Cross .
The hopeful winner of 2023, Regaleira won the 2024 Arima Kinen (G1T) and is favored to repeat that race on December 28.
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