Notable US-Bred Runners in Japan: May 2 & 3, 2020

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Tokyo and Kyoto Racecourses. Group 1 action continues in the G1 Tenno Sho-the spring version over two miles-on Sunday, but two of American Pharoah's Japanese winners and a third from the family of another also see action:

Saturday, May 2, 2020
5th-TOK, ¥9,680,000 ($91k), Maiden, 3yo, 1800mT
Australian gun Damian Lane has the call aboard LOUD AND CLEAR (c, 3, Giant's Causeway–Melody Maiden, by Saint Ballado), who looks to improve off a respectable debut fourth going 2000 meters over the Kyoto turf Apr. 4 (video, gate 1). A $150K Keeneland September purchase, the chestnut is the latest runner for his stakes-placed dam, already responsible for SW Medolina (Aragorn {Ire}, by Giant's Causeway) and SP Skating (Awesome Again). The colt's female family also includes Halo and two-time champion Flawlessly (Affirmed). B-Ron & Fran Stolich (KY)

6th-KYO, ¥13,830,000 ($130k), Allowance, 3yo, 1800m
ABUL HAUL (c, 3, American Pharoah–Kitten's Dumplings, by Kitten's Joy), one of six Japanese winners from seven runners for his sire, is the first foal for his dam, winner of the 2013 GI QE II Challenge Cup and an additional two graded events before being sold in 2016 by Ken and Sarah Ramsey to Shadai Farm. Seventh of 11 when trying turf on his September debut, he resumed over this track and trip and posted a narrow maiden victory Feb. 22 (see below, gate 6). Kitten's Dumplings, a full-sister to GSW Granny's Kitten and SW/GSP Granny Mc's Kitten, is the dam of a Japanese-foaled 2-year-old full-brother to Abul Haul. Also in the field is smart debut winner A Shin Amen Ra (American Pharoah). B-Teruya Yoshida (KY)

Sunday, May 3, 2020
3rd-TOK, ¥9,680,000 ($91k), Maiden, 3yo, 1300m
MESA TESORO (f, 3, Midnight Lute–Cat's Fair, by Sir Cat) was well-beaten in her January bow at Nakayama, but turned in a much-improved effort to be runner-up at that venue Apr. 5. A $95K KEESEP graduate, the dark bay is a half-sister to Crisp (El Corredor), the dam of the talented Danon Pharaoh (Jpn) (American Pharoah); and SW Deer Valley (Speightstown). Five-time GISP Make Change (Roberto) appears under the third dam. B-Clearsky Farms (KY)