G1 Sprinters Stakes

Let go at odds of 28-1 while looking to collect his first victory at the highest level, Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) came from just off the pace to take Sunday's G1 Sprinter Stakes at Nakayama. Cruising in a ground-saving spot just behind a free-running Puro Magic (Jpn) (Asia Express {Jpn}) with Win Greatest (Jpn) (Secret Hero {Jpn}) within striking distance, Lugal overtook the latter straightening for home and closed the leader's advantage passing the 200-meter mark. Hitting the front late, the 4-year-old had enough left in reserve to hold off...

Japanese Group 1 racing resumes on Sunday with the 1200-metre Sprinters Stakes, and last year's winner, Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune), is ready to defend her title. Receiving four pounds versus the majority of the field, the mare finished her season with a fifth to Win Marvel (Jpn) () in the G2 Hanshin Cup upped to 1400 metres in December. Unable to land a telling blow when eighth to Mad Cool (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the 1200-metre G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in soft going at Chukyo in her 5-year-old bow, Mama...