Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun

In the last two years in particular, the $468,241 Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun--the second of four legs on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby--has been won by horses that went on to become significant players on the world stage. The 2022 renewal was taken by Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), subsequent winner of the G2 UAE Derby, a participant in the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby and cracking second in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at season's end. Last year's running was won by Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel...

Real Steel (Jpn) gave the theretofore relatively unknown Yoshito Yahagi a first victory on foreign soil when taking out the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan in 2016. There has been a stack of overseas success since then--including Real Steel's full-sister Loves Only You (Jpn) in America and Hong Kong--and Susumu Fujita's Forever Young (Jpn) stands an excellent chance to add to the colorful conditioner's record following a smashing victory in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki, 20 miles south of Central Tokyo. Drawn widest in a field of 12, the...

A field of 12 Japanese-bred 2-year-old colts descends on Kawasaki Racecourse Wednesday evening for the $490,090 Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, a 1600-meter contest that serves as the second of four legs on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 42 Derby points are on the line, to be awarded to the first five finishers on a scale of 20-10-6-4-2. Aigle Noir (Jpn), a son of Eclipse Award winner Bricks and Mortar, looks for his fourth win from five starts overall and will try to remain undefeated on...