Contrail cruises in Japanese Derby, will seek Triple Crown sweep

Contrail won Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Derby by an easy three lengths at Tokyo Racecourse to leave the undefeated champion one win away from a sweep of the Japanese Triple Crown.

The champion 2-year-old male of 2019, Contrail won the Grade 1 Japanese 2000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles on April 19 at Nakayama Racecourse by a half-length over Salios. Sunday, Salios (9-2) was second to Contrail, but offered no threat in the final furlong.

The third and final race of the Japanese Triple Crown is the Grade 1 Japanese St. Leger, formally known as the Kikuka Sho, run at 1 7/8 miles on Oct. 25 at Kyoto Racecourse.

Contrail ($2.70 in American pools) closed from a stalking position in early stretch in the $3.87 million Japanese Derby at 1 1/2 miles. Ridden by regular rider Yuichi Fukunaga, Contrail moved outside of rivals with about a quarter-mile remaining and quickly took a commanding lead.

“I was just focusing on finishing this race on a high note,” Fukunaga told Japan Racing Association publicists. “Although, he still has room for improvement – he tends to lose his focus when he’s leading – he is still able to win like he did today, so he’s got great potential and there’s a lot to look forward to in this colt.”

Salios finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of 80-1 Weltreisende in the field of 18.

Contrail, by Deep Impact, started at 1 1/2 miles for the first time on Sunday for owner Shinji Maeda and trainer Yoshito Yahaga. Contrail won three starts at 2, ending with a victory in the Group 1 Hopeful Stakes at 1 1/4 miles last December.