Ohi Racecourse

Japan's Best To Face Test From Mick Fire in Japan Dirt Derby

While the likes of Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), Continuar (Jpn) (Drefong) and Mandarin Hero (Jpn) (Shanghai Bobby) were off representing Japan in age-restricted races from Saudi Arabia to Dubai to the U.S. this winter and spring, Mick Fire (Jpn) (Sinister Minister) remained at home, where the bay colt was being patiently brought along towards his 3-year-old debut. Mick Fire, acquired for ¥5.5 million at the 2021 Hokkaido Summer Yearling Sale, had earned back his purchase price in easily running the table in three appearances as a juvenile and...

[ Read More ]
Runhappy's First Japanese Winner Makes Huge Impression

Run This City (Runhappy) became the first Japanese winner for his progressive young sire Wednesday, taking a 1400-meter maiden on the dirt at Ohi Racecourse by an imposing margin. First to break the line from gate six, the March-foaled bay raced under a nice hold, stalking the pace from the outside for the opening half-mile. Given his head with about 500 meters left to travel, Run This City cornered in front, swapped his leads professionally, his rider sitting hard against him, and was pushed out through the final sixteenth of...

[ Read More ]
Danon Pharaoh Too Strong in Japan Dirt Derby

The bettors had it right--well, in a sense. They pounded the previously undefeated Cafe Pharoah (American Pharoah) into 1-10 favoritism for Wednesday's Japan Dirt Derby, but Danon Pharaoh (Jpn) (American Pharoah) had other ideas, as he put away pacesetting Daimei Corrida (Jpn) (Eskendereya) in the final 150 meters en route to a 1 3/4-length success. Kitano Octopus (Jpn) (Fenomeno {Jpn}) rounded out a longshot trifecta that returned better than 7,700-1. The victory was worth 40 points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. Daimei Corrida jumped alertly from his...

[ Read More ]
X

Never miss another story from the TDN

Click Here to sign up for a free subscription.