[Kitan]

Final episode this past Sunday at the gigantic Tokyo Racecourse, with a grandstand that makes Belmont Park look like Belterra Park. Took in both the Hyacinth Stakes and G1 February Stakes. Now 4 for 4 Epicharis (#2, below) took out the former event and now has an entry into the Kentucky Derby. Strong and powerful type who hit the line well to win on the inside of the frontrunner, but copped the perfect trip off some easy fractions, finishing in a time 2.7 sec slower than the older horses two races later. He's off to the UAE Derby next with no confirmation about his Churchill plans. Foggy Night (#1) may also head to Dubai and he's another to keep an eye on. Tapit x Champagne d'Oro running in only his second start, was studdish in the parade ring before breaking poorly and not handling the initial 100m or so on turf. Circled well into the aforementioned slow pace to finish 4th. With that breeding it will be interesting to see him progress. Either way they are both good horses that shouldn't be taken lightly in international races. Overall a really good experience visiting these tracks in Japan, and North American racing can learn a lot from the JRA and how they do things!