G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen

Showing modest form throughout most of his career, Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn) (Al Ain {Jpn}) broke through with a convincing victory as a 33-1 outsider in Sunday's Deep Impact Kinen (Japanese 2000 Guineas Trial) at Nakayama. Supported by a single win in 2023-recorded at Niigata Oct. 29--the colt kicked off this season with a workmanlike fifth over this course and trip Jan. 8. He settled near the back of the field early as longshot Sirius Colt (Jpn) (Makfi {GB}) cruised uncontested in front. Quickly picking off his rivals from a wide...

Hiroshi Yamada's Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) scored an upset at 16-1 in the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen at Nakayama on Sunday. The 2000-metre race is a pointer for the G1 Japanese 2000 Guineas in mid-April. Away to an alert beginning, the dark bay strolled to the lead and kept a measured gallop throughout while under minimal pressure from his rivals. He slowed the pace after the first few furlongs and the first half of the race went in 1:02.6. Held together expertly at the fence by...

Satono Flag (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) won his third consecutive race in the 2000-metre G2 Hochi Hai Yahoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen at Nakayama on Sunday. The 9-5 second choice's closing effort earned him his first black-type rosette in a race named for his late sire, who passed away last July. Away awkwardly, the bay raced fourth last through the early stages as Win Carnelian (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) set the pace. Positions were largely unchanged through the first 1000 metres in 1:01.10. Oro Adone (Jpn) (Epiphan) made his bid...