By Alan Carasso
In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for Wednesday running at Hanshin Racecourse, featuring a pair of first-crop runners by Justify. The final day of the JRA calendar for 2022 also includes the G1 Hopeful S. for 2-year-olds at Nakayama. Read our preview here:
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
1st-HSN, ¥9,900,000, Maiden, 2yo, 1800m
DONA SWEAT (f, 2, Justify–No Sweat, by Blame), a $425,000 Keeneland September graduate, debuted over this course and distance a bit more than two weeks ago and led deep into the final furlong only to be overhauled in the final strides (video, SC 5). The late January foal is out of a multiple stakes-placed daughter of MSW & MGSP Coolwind (Forest Wildcat), also the dam of GIII Iowa Derby winner Looking Cool (Candy Ride {Arg}). Dona Sweat is the first foal for No Sweat, who was purchased by Ashview Farm for $300,000 at Keeneland November in 2018. B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY)
6th-HSN, ¥14,250,000, Allowance, 2yo, 1800m
YUTTITHAM (JPN) (c, 2, Justify–Zipessa, by City Zip) cost connections ¥220 million as a yearling at last year's JRHA Select Sale and the chestnut made a small, but not insignificant repayment on that investment with a smart eight-length romp in his second trip to the races over course and distance Dec. 3 (video, SC 1). Shadai Farm acquired the colt's GSW & MGISP dam for $1.25 million at KEENOV in 2018 and put her in foal to the Triple Crown winner before being exported. Yuttitham is the 1-2 favorite overnight and has the services of champion jockey Yuga Kawada. B-Shadai Farm
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