14 February, 2023
In the 1800m, G3 Leopard Stakes on dirt at Niigata Racecourse on August 7th, Kafuji Octagon(JPN) by Maurice(JPN) posted an upset by a neck to win his first graded stakes race. He was ridden by Vincent Ho, who is in Japan on a short-term license during Hong Kong's off-season. This was also his first graded stakes win in the JRA. Favorite Taisei Drefong(JPN) by Drefong(USA) was second and Hapi(JPN) by Kizuna(JPN) was a further neck back in third.
In the 1700m G3 Elm Stakes on dirt at Sapporo Racecourse on August 7th, Full Depth Leader(JPN) by Henny Hughes(USA) upset the race to earn his first graded stakes title. Well Done(JPN) by Henny Hughes(USA) was a neck back in second. Omega Rainbow(JPN) by I'll Have Another(USA) was a neck back in third.
In the 2000m G3 Kokura Kinen at Kokura Racecourse on August 14th, second favorite Maria Elena(JPN) by Kurofune(USA) finally earns her first graded stakes win after two second-place finishes in other G3s this year. Five lengths back in second was Hindu Times(JPN) by Harbinger(GB). Geraldina(JPN) by Maurice(JPN) was a nose back in third.
In the 1600m G3 Sekiya Kinen at Niigata Racecourse on August 14th, favorite Win Carnelian(JPN) by Screen Hero(JPN) captured his first graded stakes victory. Shuri(JPN) by Heart's Cry(JPN) was three-quarters of a length back in second. Danon the Kid(JPN) by Just a Way(JPN) was a neck back in third.
In the 1200m, G3 Kitakyushu Kinen at Kokura Racecourse on August 21st, Buon Voyage(JPN) by Lord Kanaloa(JPN) posted a major upset when she won by a length and a quarter. This was her first graded stakes win. Taisei Vision(JPN) by Turtle Bowl(IRE) was second, and Namura Clair(JPN) by Mikki Isle(JPN) was a neck back in third.
In the 2000m G2 Sapporo Kinen at Sapporo Racecourse on August 21st, many hoped to see Sodashi(JPN) by Kurofune(USA) repeat her performance from last year. Still, top honors went to Jack d'Or(JPN) by Maurice(JPN) swooped in for the win by a neck. Panthalassa (JPN) by Lord Kanaloa(JPN) led all the way but got caught at the wire to finish second. Win Marilyn(JPN) by Screen Hero(JPN) was a length and a half back in third.
In the 1600m G3 Niigata Nisai Stakes at Niigata Racecourse on August 28th, 4th favorite Kita Wing(JPN) by Danon Ballade(JPN) came from behind to earn his first graded stakes race by half a length. Win Odin(JPN) by Epiphaneia(JPN) was second, and Sea Wizard(JPN) by Beach Patrol(USA) was a head back in third.
In the 1200m G3 Keeneland Cup at Sapporo Racecourse on August 28th, Vento Voce(JPN) by Turtle Bowl(IRE) upset the field to win his first graded stakes title. Win Marvel(JPN) by I'll Have Another(USA) was half a length back in second. Vatreni(JPN) by Grass Wonder(USA) was another half a length back in third.
All JRA graded stakes results and race replays are available on Japan Association for International Racing, and Stud Book (JAIRS)'s website: http://japanracing.jp/.
Please contact our representative below for further details:
Satomi Oka (Ms)
Satomi Oka Bloodstock Pty Ltd
E-mail : satomi@bloodstock.jp
Tel : +61 414 414 450