Potential GI Kentucky Derby candidate Epicharis (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}) came through his latest test in the Listed Hyacinth S. at Tokyo on Sunday to remain unbeaten in four starts. His cosy three quarters of a length defeat of Adirato (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) garnered 50 points and an invitation to compete in the run for the roses May 6 at Churchill Downs. Epicharis had been a wide margin winner of his three juvenile starts and despite not putting quite so much distance between himself and his rivals on this occasion his rider never had to get too serious to get the job done.
The 1600m Hyacinth S. was the second race in a new two-race race series in Japan that could produce a starter in the Kentucky Derby, thanks to a partnership between Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Japan Racing Association. The Japanese trained G2 UAE Derby winner Lani (Tapit) took part in all three U.S. Triple Crown races last year highlighted by a third place in the GI Belmont S. and Epicharis could well attempt to emulate that feat.
Should the connections of Epicharis decline to take up their offer of a berth in the Kentucky Derby, the horse with the second-most points, Cattleya Sho winner Mont Saint Legame (Jpn) (Came Home) may accept. If Mont Saint Legame declines, the horse with the third-most points, Hyacinth runner-up Adirato (Jpn) may accept. No other invitation will be extended beyond the top three point earners.
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