Quote:
|
Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS
You think 10K Japanese strong are going to make a trip halfway around the world to watch and bet on a horse who made one career start over there?
I know they tend to be pretty obsessed with the sport and love to bet - but I doubt that horse built a huge fan base with a single odds-on maiden win.
Last year's 2-year-old champion in Japan came from a juvenile sale here - and they bought up many excellent athletes at juvenile sales this year - most of which I assume will be sent over there. I guess that is what happens when the value of the American dollar tanks.
Major stallions and top horses A.P. Indy, Unbridled's Song, and Fusaichi Pegasus all had a big chance to go to Japan and race - none of which did. Tomo Tsuramaki and Fusao Sekaguchi kept A. P. Indy and Fu Peg here - probably because both were outright Keeneland July Select yearling sales toppers - where UBS was, at the time, the most expensive horse ever purchased from a 2yo in training sale - but the day after the sale they found "a flake" in his ankle and the sale was voided.
|
Someone who posts on another board lives in Japan and follows Japanese racing - she also provides updates on Japanese horses, etc....... Apparently the man who owns Casino Drive is anxious to get in all the right circles (royalty, celebrity, etc.......) - he's also a sporting man and therefore it seems natural that he would point for the Belmont. I asked what she thought his plans for the colt would be after the Belmont (return to Japan for the Japan Dirt Cup, then point for a 4 year old campaign in the US? Stay in the US?) and even she's not sure. I hope the owner does not try to point CD to only the biggest races in the world and show up for the Arc just to get into high -class circles.........he's not exactly bred for turf and he could be a fun horse to watch in the US.
If I recall, AP Indy's owner (Tsurumaki) bought another yearling besides Indy - turned out to be AP Jet. AP Jet was sent to Japan because he was more precocious - lucky for US racing and breeding that Indy was later developing. He was also not interested in breeding at all, which is why he remained in the US for his stud career. I'm not sure the owner of Casino Drive has enough of a track record for us to make any kind of determination as to the colt's future.