Japan: Danon Bourbon takes third consecutive win with Fukuryu Stakes, likely gains Kentucky Derby berth
Danon Bourbon, a Kentucky-bred colt by Maxfield, remained unbeaten after three starts with an important win in Saturday’s $227,800 Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan.
The win may lead to a start in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2.
Danon Bourbon has earned 40 points in Japan’s four-race qualifying series, and is tied for first place on the list with Don Erectus, who finished second in the Fukuryu Stakes.
Only one runner from the Japan series will earn a berth in the Kentucky Derby.
According to a statement released by Churchill Downs on Saturday morning, Danon Bourbon is an expected starter in the Kentucky Derby, provided the colt emerges from Saturday’s race in good order. Don Erectus is not expected to be sent to Kentucky, the statement read.
Danon Bourbon was nominated to the American Triple Crown for $600 in January. Don Erectus was not nominated at that time. A second nomination stage is available for $6,000 through April 6.
Should Don Erectus be nominated to the Triple Crown, and if owner Koichi Yamada seeks a start in the Kentucky Derby, the berth from the Japan series would be decided by earnings.
Don Erectus was second in three of the four races in the Japan qualifying series.
In the Fukuryu Stakes at 1 1/8 miles, Danon Bourbon had a comfortable trip under jockey Atsuya Nishimura. Danon Bourbon stalked pacesetter Don Erectus to early stretch before taking the lead with less than a quarter-mile remaining. Danon Bourbon, the 11-10 favorite in Japanese pools, won by 3 1/2 lengths. Don Erectus (7-1) finished a neck in front of Charlie, the 2-1 second choice.
Danon Bourbon won his lone start at 2 in a race for first-time starters at 1 1/8 miles last October. He won his first start of 2026 in an allowance race at 1 3/16 miles on Feb. 15.
Danon Bourbon was purchased as a yearling for $450,000 at Keeneland in 2024. He is owned by Danox Co., Ltd., and trained by Manabu Ikezoe.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.