Japan: Croix du Nord takes Hopeful Stakes, ends 2-year-old season unbeaten

Croix du Nord ended his 2-year-old season unbeaten after three starts with a two-length win in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan on Saturday, firmly gaining a place among the prospects for the country’s major stakes for 3-year-olds in the spring.

Sent off favored, Croix du Nord (who paid $4.50 in American pools) closed from slightly off the pace, racing from farther back than his first two wins. Ridden by Yuichi Kitamura, Croix du Nord was third in early stretch and took the lead in the final furlong.

The style of the win surprised Kitamura.

“I can’t say that the race went exactly as planned, but I had complete faith in him and knew that he would make it through whatever situation he would be in during the race,” Kitamura told Japan Racing Association publicity. “It was his first time going right handed and against a full gate of 18 runners, but I totally believed he would handle that, too.”

Giovanni (19-1) finished second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of Faust Rausen, who was more than 100-1 in American pools. Faust Rausen went off at 302-1 in Japan.

Croix du Nord, by Kitasan Black, races for Sunday Racing Co., Ltd., and trainer Takashi Saito.

Saturday’s win in the $964,389 Hopeful Stakes leaves Croix du Nord among the candidates for the title of champion 2-year-old male of 2024.

Earlier this year, Croix du Nord won twice at 1 1/8 miles – a race against first-time starters in June, and his stakes debut in the Grade 2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes on Nov. 16.

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