By Alan Carasso
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 Nakayama and Hanshin Racecourses. The latter hosts Sunday's G1 Asahi Hai Futurity, which includes the offspring of such North American notables as Canadian Horse of the Year Lexie Lou, Land Over Sea, Dust and Diamonds and My Jen:
Saturday, December 18, 2021
6th-NKY, ¥13,400,000 ($118k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m
BROAD REACH (JPN) (f, 2, Arrogate–Reaching {Ire}, by Dansili {GB}) is the first Japanese-bred produce from her dam, a daughter of G1SP Maryinsky (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) who also produced MG1SW champion Peeping Fawn (Danehill)–dam of SW & MG1/GISP September (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and SW/GSP Willow (Ire) (American Pharoah)–and G1SW Thewayyouare (Kingmambo). Reaching, sold in foal to Frankel (GB) for $675K at Keeneland November in 2013, was acquired privately and foaled a Kentucky-bred son of Tapit in 2018 before her (and the colt's) export to Japan. This is also the female family of Rags to Riches, Jazil, Casino Drive, et al. B-Northern Racing
Sunday, December 19, 2021
5th-HSN, ¥13,400,000 ($118k), Newcomers, 2yo, 2000mT
AIR ANEMOI (c, 2, Point of Enty–Nokaze, by Empire Maker) looks to become the fourth winner from as many Japanese runners for his dam, who has already dropped millionaire GSW Air Almas (Majestic Warrior); Air Fanditha (Hat Trick {Jpn}), a four-time winner of nearly $580,000; and this colt's full-brother Air Sage, winner of three of his first four trips to the post who posted a creditable midfield finish when last seen in the 3000-meter G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) in late October. Nokaze is a half-sister to SW Yuzuru (Medaglia d'Oro), whose daughter Yuugiri (Shackleford) was second in the Rags to Riches S. and the GII Golden Rod S. last month. B-Sekie & Tsunebumi Yoshihara (KY)
MOZU PHOENIX (f, 2, Union Rags–Storm Showers, by Storm Cat), a $200K KEESEP yearling acquisition, is a maternal granddaughter of GSW Welcome Surprise (Seeking the Gold), whose daughter Guest House (Ghostzapper) is responsible for GSW Guest Suite (Quality Road). The March foal's third dam is the irrepressible Weekend Surprise (Secretariat), who produced the great A.P. Indy, Summer Squall, Eavesdropper and Honor Grades. Mozu Phoenix's owner also purchased MG1SW Mozu Ascot (Frankel {GB}) out of the Lane's End consignment at KEESEP. B-W S Farish & Kilroy Thoroughbred Partnership (KY)
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