Japanese Racing Experience

[SundayStar]

they certainly love their horseracing in Japan. one thing i really appreciate about TVG is their coverage of Japanese racing. except for some reason they didn't show the Arima Kinen last weekend . Satono Diamond should be a force next year.

[Alabama Stakes]

Looks like a blast. probably easy to see over the other patrons heads too.

[ADJMK]

Great pics Kitan. I bet you feel like a big bettor when you step up and bet a win ticket for 1,100 yen($10)

[Pants II]

Great pics. Ohi looks amazing.

[Kitan]

Chapter three today at Kyoto Racecourse was a truly unique experience. Spent the morning in awe staring at famous Buddhist statues (google Sanjusangendo to see what I mean) before hopping on a train traveling into the countryside, where suddenly the grandstand appeared out of nowhere as we approached the station. Nothing overly special compared to the previous two tracks, but it has the lone circular parade ring in Japan, a large pond in the infield, and a great undulation (both rise and drop) approaching and on the far turn. It is also much smaller---"only" 54k was the most that packed for one of the G1 features in the fall (79k attended the Tenno Sho in May) and the crowd today was much less than that (midweek and not in the Tokyo area) while still being quite full. Made it much more comfortable to move around and watch the races, including a G3 featuring a few who have regularly contested G1s. Comfort didn't seem to help the wallet, though, as these trips are becoming quite costly from a wagering perspective...

[Kitan]

#5 Fiero (finished 3rd): 3 times placed in G1 miles and contested the Hong Kong Mile in both 2014 and 2015.
#6 Air Spinel (winner): 3rd in the Japanese St. Leger and 4th in the Japanese Derby last year.

Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih9REtf6810

[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!