Hopeful S. Attracts 17

Seventeen juveniles will take part in the G1 Hopeful S. at Nakayama Racecourse on Thursday, the final Group 1 of the Japanese season. Sunday Racing's Time Flyer (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) goes favoured at 9-2 on the back of his win in the Listed Hagi S. over 1800 metres at Kyoto on Oct. 28 and his runner-up effort last out in the G3 Kyoto Nisai S. going this trip there on Nov. 25. Second choice is Silk Racing Co.'s G3 Nisai S. bridesmaid Lucas (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) at 5-1, a full-brother to Japanese Horse of the Year Maurice (Jpn) who finished one better than Kanayama Holdings Co.'s Charlemagne (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) in that 1800m affair on Nov. 18.

“I want him to get experience at the track, where the Satsuki Sho (G1 Japanese 2000 Guineas) will be held,” said Time Flyer's trainer Kunihide Matsuda to the JRA notes team. “I want him to run a big race and we're really looking forward to what he can do, especially with next spring in mind.”

Gendarme flies the flag for owner Koji Madea and his American-based sire Kitten's Joy on Thursday. Flawless in two trips to the post so far, the Nov. 11 G2 Daily Hai Nisai S. hero will be stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time. The 5.90-1 fourth choice is a son of Japanese champion older mare Believe (Sunday Silence), who has already produced Faridat (Kingmambo) (MSW & G1SP-Jpn) and Fiducia (Medaglia d'Oro) (SW & GSP-Jpn) to her credit.

The two-for-two Sans Rival (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) is eyeing his first try at group level. Off the mark in a 2-year-old newcomer event at Niigata on Sept. 3, he backed up with a course and distance victory in the Listed Fuyo S. on Sept. 24. Fellow unbeaten colt Jun Valerot (Jpn) (New Approach {Ire}) is also making his initial foray into group company. Both of his wins have come over the Hopeful's distance of 2000 metres, with the latest at Kyoto in an allowance on Nov. 12.

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