Most of the prep races for the May 27 Japanese Derby (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse have been completed and the field has taken shape. And it looks like a three-way contest between Justin Milano, Regaleira, and Sugar Kun.
Justin Milano by Kizuna is an unbeaten winner of Satsuki Sho (G1), the first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown for 3-year-olds at Nakayama Racecourse April 14. The colt bred by Northern Farm is the fifth foal out of Margot Did, who won the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) in 2011. Magic Attitude, by Galileo, is the second foal out of mare, and winner of the 2020 Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T). If Justin Milano wins the Japanese Derby, he will become the eighth unbeaten Japanese Derby winner.
Regaleira won the Hopeful Stakes (G1) Dec. 28 and became the first filly to win the 2,000-meter (approx. 1 1/4-mile) race at Nakayama Racecourse. Although the filly by Suave Richard tried to become the third filly to win the April 14 Satsuki Sho, she was beaten in sixth there. The connections reckon 1 1/2 miles is her best trip and Regaleira will try to become the fourth filly to win the Japanese Derby.
Sugar Kun by Duramente, winner of Aoba Sho (G2) at the same course and distance as the Japanese Derby, is a half brother to Kitasan Black, Japanese Horse of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Sugar Kun will try to become the first horse to complete the Aoba Sho/Japanese Derby double.
