Deep Impact, 'Vengeance' win

Deep Impact and Vengeance of Rain stamped themselves as two of the best horses in Asia on Sunday, with victories in the Japanese Derby and the Hong Kong Champions and Chater Cup.

Deep Impact was the five-length winner of the $3.17 million Tokyo Yushun, or Japanese Derby. Coming from well behind at Tokyo Racecourse, he rumbled to a handy score over Inti Raimi as the 1-10 favorite. He ran the 1 1/2 miles on firm ground in a fast 2:23.30.

In taking the $1,028,000 Hong Kong Champions and Chater Cup at Sha Tin, Vengeance of Rain, previously the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Hong Kong Derby, both at 1 1/4 miles, was running for the first time at 1 1/2 miles. Sent off the 2-5 choice, he rallied to defeat Best Gift by a half-length. The time on good ground was 2:29.90.