Admirable Outposted for Derby Bid

Admirable | JRA photo

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Admirable (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has done nothing wrong in running the table in three starts this season, but he'll need to bring his very best to the table for Sunday's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) after drawing the widest barrier in the 18-strong field for the 2400-metre event.

Well-beaten in a single appearance at two, the homebred colt graduated in his seasonal return at Hanshin in early March and has since won the Apr. 1 Azalea Sho and G2 Aoba Sho Apr. 29, defeating the reopposing Best Approach (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) (video). The latter two starts have come over the Derby distance, both as the odds-on favorite and each with the services of Mirco Demuro, who stays put Sunday afternoon.

“There is no change with him since his last race, and I've come to understand the horse well, which is good,” the Italian commented. “Of course, it's a tough race, but I'm looking forward to what he can do here.”

The lukewarm ante-post favorite, Admirable is certain to be tested by some capable rivals who are drawn much more favorably. Al Ain (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), a son of GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Dubai Majesty (Essence of Dubai), tasted defeat for the first time in his career when sixth to Kyohei (Jpn) (Reach the Crown {Jpn}) in the G3 Shinzan Kinen (1600m) in January, but has bounced back in his two most recent runs, besting heavily favored Satono Arthur (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G3 Mainichi Hai Mar. 25 and Persian Knight (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) when last seen in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (2000m) Apr. 16 (video). Deep Impact has sired the Derby winner in three of the last five years.

“He has come on nicely since his last race, where he had to work pretty hard for the win,” trainer Yasutoshi Ikee commented. “His footwork's good, and he's showing similar qualities to Orfevre (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) before he ran in the Derby.”

Rey de Oro (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) was one of the leaders of his generation last season, going three-for-three, including a victory in the G2 Hopeful S. (2000m) at Nakayama on Christmas Day (video). The Carrot Farm runner resumed in the Satsuki Sho, charging home from the tail of the field to finish fifth. He figures to improve for the extra 400m Sunday.

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