3 minute read
Terrific racing across three JRA meetings today, highlighted by the Grade 1 Shuka Sho (2000m) at HanShin on the turf. Another highlight is over the fences with the Grade 2 Tokyo High Jump (3110m) at Tokyo. That race sees the return of the Nakayama Grand Jump winner Oju Chosan and we like him a lot.
Our best plays for the day.
Tokyo Race 9 - #8 Oju Chosan
Lightly raced and classy chaser who has won 20 of 38 starts including the Nakayama Grand Jump last time. He has an incredible 9 Grade 1 wins to his name. While perhaps best over a little further, the fresh-up record of 12 wins from 22 starts speaks for itself. He was a close-up third in this last year and can return with a win today.
Hardest to best looks to be the fit and in form Hokko Mevius. He has led and won his last two at Grade 3 level and while this is tougher will take catching again.
Tokyo Race 12 - #12 Lord Cathedral
Was a fresh up winner at a mile then fair but missed the frame over 2000m second-up. Back to the mile last time in a similar race and charged home into third. Best form is at this journey and won only other try here. Will appreciate a strong tempo and expected to prove tough to hold out.
Justin Sky resumes after being tested in tougher last campaign. Might want a little further but looks suited this grade and should also be winding up hard.
Niigata Race 11 - #11 Daddy's Vivid
Returned from a spell with a solid fourth in the Grade 2 Centaur Stakes. He drops in grade for today's race and boasts a strong record when second-up. He is also rarely out of the frame over the extra furlong. Having placed both tries at the course he looks tough to hold off again today.
Gray In Green wasn't far from the winner fresh and looks the main threat. He loves the 1400m journey and is drawn for a soft run.
Hanshin Dirt Race 6 - #13 Reiwa Homare
This colt started at a very short quote when resuming last start over this trip at Chukyo Dirt but just failed after doing some work from a wide alley. Again draws off the track but there is plenty of speed drawn inside so Kawada should get a nice cart across. With that run under the belt in a race of few chances he should make amends. It is worth noting his two second-up runs have yielded a win and a second.
Success Laurel returned in good order last start. Hasn't fared as well at the barrier draw this time but he will push forward and looks a serious threat.