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The first Japanese G1 for the year on turf, the race will be run over 1600m this Sunday at the Nagoya track.
Chukyo is challenging with a big uphill finish. This race has traditionally had its upsets with the wins being split fairly evenly between favoured runners and outsiders.
We are tending to stick to the more favoured runners this time with the talented son of Lord Kanaloa Danon Smash current favourite on 2.4.
Mozu Superflare is an American bred son of Speightstown (a shame they couldn't continue with the Barbados inspired names here). He won the Ocean Stakes with Yutaka Take in the irons and he rides here as well, but Gate 15 could be difficult.
Mr Melody is another American-bred, this time by Scat Daddy. He's down in trip for this but will jump out of gate 3 and is on 8.3.
We love Let's Go Donki, now a 7yo, who will be partnered by Iwata-san who has ridden her in many of her races. She doesn't won all that many but she's generally in the finish and is an absolute must for multiples.
Logi Cry also has her fans - she's on 8.7 and Christophe Lemaire has the ride.
On SAturday the G2 N9ikkei Sho at Nakayama over 2500m went to Meisho Tekkon with Yutaka Take riding, beating the favourite Etaria. They were followed home by Sakura Empereur and Happy Grin.
The Pegasus Jump at Nakayama went to Meiner Prompt from Shingun Michael with Delightful third and favourite Myeji Taiga fourth. They were all the runners in single-figures.