From Japan To The World

Saturday’s A$1 million G1 George Ryder S. immediately following the G1 Golden Slipper boasts a handful of intriguing angles, not least of which is the unveiling of a pair of Japanese contenders for The Championships. World Ace (Jpn)and Real Impact (Jpn), both sons of Deep Impact {Jpn}), have been preparing for their Australian campaigns as the new Canterbury quarantine facility. World Ace, a Group 2 winner going a mile last April, has prior experience traveling, having finished fourth, beaten five lengths, when last seen in the G1 Hong Kong Mile Dec. 14. Real Impact is venturing from his homeland for the first time, but he was last seen taking the G2 Hanshin Cup over seven furlongs Dec. 27. 

The raiders will have some stiff opposition from the locals, however, and early favoritism goes to the Gai Waterhouse-trained 4-year-old filly Cosmic Endeavour (Aus) (Northern Meteor {Aus}), who shoots for back-to-back Group 1 wins–and three overall–after taking the Mar. 7 Canterbury S. A pair of 3-year-olds exiting the G1 Randwick Guineas also stake claims: Shooting To Win (Aus) (Northern Meteor {Aus}) and Kermadec (NZ) (Teofilo {Ire}). The former, winner of last year’s G1 Caulfield Guineas, was third last-out after leading and over-racing, but should be able to take a sit and stalk here. Jockey Blake Shinn was bullish about Shooting To Win’s chances, telling Racenet, 
“Saturday is a great race for him. Third-up, 1500 [meters] and he gets his chance to sit off the speed, which I’m sure will give him every chance to show what he’s made of. He’s working brilliantly and the 3-year-olds are showing that they’re capable against the older horses this season.” 

Kermadec was hampered in running when fourth in the Guineas and will need luck here as well with a wide draw in 11. Godolphin import It’s Somewhat (Dynaformer) made a big impression when taking the G3 Liverpool City S. in his Australian debut Feb. 28, and the classy Criterion (NZ) (Sebring {Aus}) should also make an impression with a first-up third in the Canterbury under his girth.