Colts Take Center Stage At Hanshin

After last week's G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, the juvenile colts get their chance to establish a top-level pecking order in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity going a mile at the same venue Sunday. The morning line favorite is Air Spinel (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), who arrives onthe back of a clear-cut success over the reopposing Shuji (Jpn) (Kinshasa no Kiseki {Aus}) (one of four colts in the race by his sire) in the G2 Daily Hai Nisai S. at Kyoto Nov. 14. That form looks strong given the runner-up had previously beaten another of Sunday's challengers Saimon Seele (Jpn) (Kinshasa no Kiseki {Aus}) in the G3 Kokura Nisai S. at Kyoto Sep. 6, and, given Air Spinel's superiority last time, it is easy to see why he is so strong in the market. He has the added popularity of having Yutaka Take in the saddle and Take is confident in his mounts ability.

“He's still a baby, but he sure can run, and he runs nice and straight,” said Take. “After winning on his debut with a performance like that, I was confident in the Daily Hai. He seems very strong.”

His trainer Kazuhide Sasada is also very upbeat regarding his star pupil's chances.

Added Sasada, “The Daily Hai was his second start where he went up against a strong horse with three wins, but was able to win strongly himself. He's still immature in some ways, but he's able to concentrate in a race now. It's a Group 1 and the lineup will be a strong one, but he won his debut at the same venue. If he can show his strength, we should get good results.”

Another unbeaten contender is G2 Keio Hai Nisai S. victor Ball Lightning (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), who defeated the reopposing duo of runner-up Admire Morale (Jpn) (Kinshasa No Kiseki {Aus}) and third-place finisher Shadow Approach (Jpn) (Jungle Pocket {Jpn}) in Tokyo Nov. 7. Seeking his first Group 1 win in 12 years as a trainer, Hiroshi Miyamoto believes Ball Lightning can handle the step up in competition.

“He has come along as expected and is in good shape mentally and physically,” commented Miyamoto. “The competition will be strong with it being a Group 1, but after seeing his last race I'm looking forward to this one.”