G3 Keisei Hai

Japan's road to the Classics shifted up a gear on Sunday with the victory of Nishino Agent (Jpn) (Isla Bonita {Jpn}) in the 2000-metre G3 Keisei Hai at Nakayama. Able to secure an ideal position against the fence, the eventual winner raced in the back third of the field, as Taisei Ricordo (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}) and Ghardaia (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) battled in the vanguard. Well in hand after six furlongs in 1:10.40, Nishino Agent charged up in between horses and earned several lucky breaks on the far turn. In...

Although he only had a debut win going 1800 metres locally to his name on Dec. 15, Crystal Black handled the step up to group company with aplomb, landing the G3 Keisei Hai by a half-length over favoured Sky Groove at Nakayama. Diastima was 2 1/2 lengths back in third. Trying 2000 metres for the first time, the 19-1 shot was fighting pilot Yutaka Yoshida from the bell, while under a snug hold in the last flight against the fence. He eventually relaxed near the tail of the field through...