Second leg of “Japan Road” to KY Derby features new cast

The “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby” will get a reboot on Dec. 17 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse, as none of the runners from the first leg of the series return in the second race – an event won in 2023 by Forever young (JPN).

Nine two-year-olds, including two fillies, had entered the 1,600 meters (about 1 mile), and the field looks slightly more imposing than the one that contested the Cattleya Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse on November 29 to kick off the series.

Dear GreenA Smart falcon foal from the Pyro mare Peaceful joyis undefeated after four starts, including the Kamakura Kinen at the Kawasaki circuit on October 15. Pyromancera Pyro colt, is 2-for-2, with both wins coming at 1,800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles).

Cosmo GiganteaThrough Danon Ballad has two wins and two seconds on dirt, sandwiched around a seventh-place finish in the Ivy Stakes on Tokyo’s turf track.

Idaten ShachoA Golden cents colt bred in New York by Willow Brook Stables, broke his first start in his second start on September 13 at Hanshin Racecourse, but was surpassed when finishing seventh on October 18 at Kyoto. All his starts were at sprint distances.

The fillies, who only receive a weight break of 1 kilo, seem able to hold their own. Tamamo Freesiaa daughter of The wind is rising is 2-for-2 and won the JBC Nisai Yushun at Mombetsu Racecourse in her last start. Fleur d’Or Through Epiphaneia came second in the Montetsu heat, held on a sloppy track.

The Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun awards 20 “Road” points to the winner and 10, 6, 4 and 2 points for the lower rankings. The Cattleya Sho winner, Satono tripreceived 10 points, so the Zen-Nippon winner is assured of first place in the series.

The eventual winner will be offered a guaranteed spot in the Kentucky Derby. Forever Young won the Zen-Nippon by seven lengths in 2023, but then exited the series and earned his way into the Run for the Roses with a victory in the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai.

The series continues with the Hyacinth Stakes on February 21 at Tokyo Racecourse and a points scheme of 30 for the winner and 15, 9, 6 and 3 for the next four finishers. The Fukuryu Stakes wraps things up on March 28 at Nakayama Racecourse, where the first five across the line will be awarded 40, 20, 12, 8 and 4 points respectively.