Familiar sires in Japan sale

The Japan Racing Horse Association's July foal sale will take place on the island of Hokkaido on July 12-13, and some of the sellers and pedigrees will look familiar to Americans.

The catalog of 310 horses includes seven lots from Darley Japan, part of Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum's global breeding empire. Those include a King's Best filly from the family of Irish Oaks winner Alydaress; a Lujain colt out of Group 1-placed Katakana; and a Fantastic Light filly from the family of Kentucky Oaks and Alabama Stakes winner White Star Line.

Japanese powerhouses Northern Farm and Shadai Farm dominate the catalog with 68 and 61 horses entered, respectively.

Sires include such familiar names as Captain Steve, Charismatic, Fusaichi Pega-sus, Gone West, Honour and Glory, Point Given, Tabasco Cat, and War Chant.