By Alan Carasso
Satono Kingdom (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), the half-brother to GI Kentucky Derby and G1 Dubai World Cup hero Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), remained perfect in his two career trips to the post with a cozy allowance success Sunday afternoon at Tokyo Racecourse.
Sent off at 9-5 on the strength of a very impressive debut victory in a newcomers' event over 1600 meters on the Arima Kinen undercard at Nakayama Dec. 27 (video), the son of Dalicia (Ger) (Acatenango {Ger}) was drawn four for this 1800-meter heat going left-handed for the first time and raced along the inside from about midpack before dropping a few spots during the middle stages of the race. He continued to save ground into the stretch beneath leading jockey Keita Tosaki, found daylight as they reached the final 400 meters and finished up nicely to be along for a half-length success (video).
Satono Kingdom was bred by Shadai Farm, who acquired Dalicia for 230,000gns in foal to Mr. Greeley at the 2009 Tattersalls December Sale. Dalicia is the dam of a 2-year-old filly by Stay Gold (Jpn) and a yearling filly by that stallion. She was bred back to and is due to Deep Impact (Jpn) early this year. Satono Kingdom, who could chart a course for the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in April, is trained by Sakae Kunieda for owner Hajime Satomi.
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