By Kelsey Riley
Koji Maeda's globetrotting Lani (Tapit), winner of the G2 UAE Derby in March prior to a U.S. Classic campaign that saw him run in all three American Triple Crown races, will make his first start since a third-place finish in the GI Belmont S. June 11 when he lines up for the 2100-metre Brazil Cup H. on the dirt in Tokyo on Sunday. The lone 3-year-old in the field of 16, Lani will carry 121 pounds.
Lani spent the summer recuperating from his travels at Maeda's Daisen Hills training centre, and Hiroshi Fukada, director and general manager of Maeda's North Hills Farm, said the grey is ready for the second half of his campaign.
“He is more mature, has more muscle and is very active and fresh, and he needs the race now,” Fukada noted. “I think he is fit enough for his first race in this autumn campaign.”
Fukada said Lani will have one more prep race before the G1 Champions Cup Dec. 4.
Lani gained a legion of fans in the U.S., as much for his spirited personality as his racing ability, during his five-week stretch in America, where he finished ninth in the GI Kentucky Derby, fifth in the GI Preakness S. and third in the Belmont. Maeda told the TDN in July that he plans to aim Lani at next year's G1 Dubai World Cup and GI Breeders' Cup Classic (click here for more).
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