We have a field of 19 colts prepped and primed for the next big Grade 1 from Japan, the highly anticipated Tokyo Yushun - The Japanese Derby.  Unlike the recently run Japanese Oaks which was another showcase for the extraordinary Liberty Island, the Derby is going to be more competitive, I would say.

Of course, Sol Oriens is getting a lot of respect but so are Skilfing, Tastiera and Phantom Thief.  Then, another 6 who could get it done.  So, half the field is live, let's say.  What might be of interest to some is that Dura Erede, who qualified for the Kentucky Derby at Meydan, immediately opted for this spot and is a rather tasty 17/1 in the projections.  Could be useful in exotic play.  Personally, I'm looking for a win bet and will put together some exactas for this one.

Here it is:

https://en.netkeiba.com/race/shutuba.html?race_id=202305021211&rf=race_toggle_menu

Tomorrow night - The Big Race.

5 horse exacta box - Sol Oriens/Phantom Thief/Skilfing/Tastiera/Dura Erede

Dura Erede is now a tremendous overlay at a projected 27/1.

I must cover him win/place because if he wins and I don't have it...

 tremendous!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck My friend !!! love it!!!

Down to 18 entries.  I have a shot.  LOL

#3 Ho O Biscuits...and gravy..for the exacta.

R5 #14 MA Volante..has the look. Speed & fade

R6 #14 Sayono Field 10/1..nice 2nd 

R7 #2 Meinet Poljot 26/1..out to 60/1..pocket trip..prominent..one paced..midpack

R8 #9 Elkai McEnroe 2/1....

Well..like the horses I picked...I couldn't hang on.....  Lost the nod...was wrapped up late..

I thought #3 ran the best race in the Derby..albeit in a losing effort.  

Here's the Tokyo Yushun replay for anyone interested.  Dura Erede, my longshot in the exacta box, dropped his rider at the start.  

Tastiera over Sol Oriens [who sucked all the value out of the 39.50 exacta]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFCWsRkDKBk

Well for sure the gate crews put our loading process to shame.

The Japanese are masters of execution in every phase of the sport.  Those crews are drilled.  Plus, they are completely comfortable with large fields loading because almost every field is at least 15 horses.

Got another good one coming up next weekend.  The Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo.  1600 meters, 21 runners entered and a very competitive field.

I'll start a new topic in a couple days for anyone interested.  I'm glad you like the Japanese sport, Plus.

Bad Beat !

That's racing.  

Could have been worse.  At least I hit the exacta and got out with only one missing button on my shirt.