Isla Bonita (Jpn)

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...

In an electrifying display through the late stages, Sixpence (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) overwhelmed nine other rivals and proclaimed himself as one to watch for the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas), dominating the G2 Fuji TV Sho Spring S. on Sunday at Nakayama. Jumping well and close to the pacesetters, Sixpence tucked in neatly behind Allegro Brillante (Jpn) (Deep Brillante {Jpn}) and that one's closest pursuer Cosmo Buddleja (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}) as the pair showed the way. The placings remained consistent until the field passed the 800 metre mark...