Epoca d’Or triumphs in Japanese 2,000 Guineas

The 13-1 outsider Epoca d’Or closed from fourth in a field of 16 to win Sunday’s Group 1 Japanese 2,000 Guineas at Nakayama Racecourse in a key prep for the Japanese Derby on May 27.

Ridden by Keita Tosaki for trainer Hideaki Fujiwara, Epoca d’Oro won the $2.23 million Japanese 2,000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles on turf by two lengths over 23-1 Sans Rival.

“I was able to position him as planned,” Tosaki told Japan Racing Association publicity.

“He ran in good rhythm and responded well rounding the final corner. He’s a smart horse and is developing with each race. His powerful run shows that he will have no problem handling the extra distance" in the Japanese Derby.

Generale Uno, a 16-1 chance, finished third. Wagnerian, the 5-2 favorite, closed from the back of the field to finish seventh.

Epoca d’Or, by Orfevre, has won 3 of 5 starts for owner K. Hidaka Breeders’ Union. Earlier this year, Epoca d’Or won consecutive starts in a maiden race and an allowance race before finishing second in his stakes debut to Stelvio in the Grade 2 Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Nakayama on March 18.

Stelvio finished fourth in the 2,000 Guineas.

The field did not include Danon Premium, the champion 2-year-old male of 2017 who was held out of the race because of lameness in a foreleg. Undefeated in four starts, Danon Premium is expected to start in the Japanese Derby, which is run at 1 1/2 miles on turf.