Japan: Croix du Nord overcomes wide trip to win Osaka Hai

Croix du Nord, winner of the 2025 Japanese Derby, overcame an outside draw in a field of 15 to win the third Grade 1 race of his career in Sunday’s $3.6 million Osaka Hai at 1 1/4 miles at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan.

Ridden by Yuichi Kitamura, Croix du Nord raced wide throughout. Croix du Nord, who paid $4.40 as the favorite in American pools, moved into second in early stretch in pursuit of pacesetter Meisho Tabaru, who led by about two lengths.

Croix du Nord took the lead in the final strides and won by three-quarters of a length. Meisho Tabaru (6-1) held second, finishing a length in front of Danon Decile, winner of the 2024 Japanese Derby.

“The going was tough to handle and the incredible speed of the pacesetter, Meisho Tabaru, was also tough to beat, but I gave my all to drive the colt to the wire,” Kitamura told Japan Racing Association publicity. “He responded beautifully.

“I’m confident that this season will be all about Croix du Nord and that he will play the leading role in all of his starts.”

Croix du Nord, a 4-year-old Japanese-bred colt by Kitasan Black, races for Sunday Racing Co., Ltd. and trainer Takashi Saito.

The Osaka Hai was the sixth win in nine starts for Croix du Nord and ended a two-race losing streak consisting of the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris last October and a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse last November.

Aside from the 2025 Japanese Derby and Sunday’s Osaka Hai, Croix du Nord’s other Grade 1 win was the 2024 Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds.

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