One Last Shot

ONE LAST SHOT 
Sunday’s G1 Kikuka Sho at Kyoto Racecourse marks the final Japanese Classic of the season, and with G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) hero Isla Bonita sitting this one out in preference for the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn Nov. 2, only G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner One and Only (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) stands a chance to become a dual Classic winner this year. Off for three months after his Classic score, One and Only picked up right where he left off, besting the reopposing Sounds of Earth (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}) in the 2400 meter G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai Sept. 28. That rival could manage only 11th in the Japanese Derby, but was reportedly suffering a physical issue, and is reported to be improved now. 
One and Only’s greatest challenge could perhaps come from To the World (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), who had a four-race win streak snapped when second as the favorite in the 2000 Guineas. Fifth in the Derby, he was most recently second, against behind Isla Bonita, off the layoff in the Sept. 21 G2 St. Lite Kinen. 
Tagano Grandpa (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) looks to hand trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda–known for his handling of Classic fillies like Buena Vista, Harp Star and Marcellina–his first colt’s Classic win. Tagano Grandpa searches for his first win at the highest level, having taken the G3 Chunch Sprint S. over 6 1/2 furlongs Mar. 22, but he showed his ability to handled added distance when fourth in the Derby and third, beaten 1 1/2 lengths, in the St. Lite Kinen.