3 minute read

The 3yo boys in Japan will be lining up for the Satsuki Sho, the Japanese 2000 Guineas.

That will be run at Nakayama on Sunday over 2000m.  Unlike the girls' race last weekend there isn't really a standout favourite here.  The top pick seems to go between Soi Oriens the son of Kitasan Black who has a c&d win here in one of his two wins from two starts, and Phantom Thief by Harbinger who will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire.

We like Bellagio Opera, a Lord Kanaloa product who is on the improve with every start and is on 7.0.  Touch Wood by Duramente who sired the Oka Sho winner, is on 7.8 for the Take brothers and Top Knife by Declaration of War is on 8.8 to round out the horses in single figures.

We have a roughie here in Ho O Biscuits who ran second to Bellagio Opera in the Spring Stakes last month.  He's by Mind Your Biscuits and is on 21.0 which could be worth a bit of each way.

Damien Lane will be back riding in Japan and has the ride on Hrimfaxi on 12.4.  Lane has a temporary licence through to 13th June which will take in the Japanese Derby and the Yasuda Kinen.