Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of the Japan Racing Association
Just days after his first-crop son, Equinox (Jpn), was named the world’s highest-rated racehorse after his phenomenal victory in last month’s G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan, Kitasan Black (Jpn) celebrated his maiden Japanese Classic winner when his 3-year-old son Sol Oriens (Jpn) claimed Sunday's G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) - the first leg of the triple crown - in jaw-dropping fashion.
With just one rival behind him when turning for home, Sol Oriens unleashed a powerful sprint down the outside under Takeshi Yokoyama, prevailing by 1.25l.
Sol Oriens became the first colt to land the Satsuki Sho - a race Equinox finished runner-up in last year - in just his third career start, the fewest in Japan Racing Association (JRA) history.
“He’s still very green, especially at the turns, with only a short career coming into this race, but as he’s already shown in his previous start, I know first-hand the power and speed which this colt possesses,” winning jockey, Yokoyama, said.
“So, while we had a lot of ground to cover from way behind, I knew that if I could keep him in good rhythm up to the straight, he would be able to show his full potential to win this race.”
“He’s (Sol Oriens) still very green, especially at the turns, with only a short career coming into this race, but as he’s already shown in his previous start, I know first-hand the power and speed which this colt possesses.” - Takeshi Yokoyama
Unbeaten in three starts, Sol Oriens is one of five stakes winners for his sire - a Japan Cup hero in 2016 and multiple scorer of the Tenno Sho (Spring).
Sol Oriens is from the Motivator (GB) mare Skia (Fr) - a Group 3 winner in France - making the colt a half-brother to the Group 2 winner and Group 1 placegetter Vin de Garde (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).
Skia's half-brother Tropaios (GB) (Excellent Art {GB}) was a Listed winner in France, before becoming a standout for the China Horse Club and trainer Michael Freedman in Singapore, where he was triumphant in the 2013 Singapore Gold Cup - a domestic Group 1 - when handled by Tommy Berry.
Motivator, meanwhile, is the broodmare sire of triple Japanese Group 1 hero and Champion Older Horse Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}).
Kitasan Black (Jpn) | Standing at Shadai Stallion Station
The Classic series continues with the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (2400 metres) in the nation’s capital on May 28.
“I thought he was an amazing horse. I was wondering how Takeshi would ride him from a tough position in stall one, but he rode well,” winning trainer, Takahisa Tezuka, said.
“The only thing left to do is to build up, and Tokyo racecourse is a plus (for the Japanese Derby).”
Victor keeps on winning
Toronado (Ire) gelding Victor The Winner made it three victories on the bounce and five from seven overall, after his 0.5l success in Saturday’s 1200-metre Class 2 at Sha Tin.
Bred by Adam Sangster, Victor The Winner is from the stakes performer Noetic (Cape Cross {Ire}), making him a half-brother to the talented 2-year-old filly Shaddow Fear (Sioux Nation {USA}). Noetic is a half-sister to the nine-time winner and Listed placegetter Starlight Lady (Fantastic Light {USA}).
Victor The Winner was consigned by Collingrove Stud at the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. He was knocked down to Golden River Investments / Mr Chu for $180,000.
The Danny Shum-trained 4-year-old was ridden by Zac Purton.
Shum said the 4-year-old may head towards the G3 Sha Tin Vase H. (1200 metres) at Sha Tin on June 4.
“He needs more rest, actually. Not just four weeks, he needs seven or eight weeks. He’s not a big horse. He needs more time to recover and to be more powerful. But he’s okay, he’s obviously got talent,” Shum said.
Victor The Winner as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
“He might have one more race in the Group 3 (in June). We will see how he recovers and we will decide what to do.”
Well-bred pinhook scores maiden success
With jockey Vincent Ho wearing the silks made famous by Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), 4-year-old Golden Samurai (Pride Of Dubai) notched his first win in his new home.
The Francis Lui-trained import was an upset victor of the Class 4 Jockey Club Volunteer Together H. (1200 metres).
Bred by Burnewang North Pastoral, Golden Samurai is from the winning Medaglia D’Oro (USA) mare Nazca - a sister to the stakes performer Chachapoyas. Nazca is also a half-sister to the Group 3 scorer Aramayo (Poet’s Voice {GB}) and the stakes performer Tupac Amaru (Street Cry {Ire}).
Golden Samurai was a successful pinhook for Coolmore Australia. They paid $120,000 for him at the 2019 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, before selling him to Francis Lui and partner for $500,000 at the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
“He’s got a good pedigree, and he’s a good-looking horse,” Lui said.
“He’s (Golden Samurai) got a good pedigree, and he’s a good-looking horse.” - Francis Lui
“I bought him online (during COVID). A friend of mine overseas inspected him for me.”
