Japan: Deep Brillante holds on by nose in Japanese Derby

The stallion Deep Impact continued his domination of the Japanese classics this spring when the colts Deep Brillante and Tosen Homareboshi finished first and third in Sunday’s $3.9 million Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse.

On May 20, the Deep Impact fillies Gentildonna and Verxina finished first and second in the Japanese Oaks. Gentildonna won the Japanese 1000 Guineas in April.

Deep Brillante won the 18-runner Japanese Derby by a nose over the Stay Gold colt Fenomeno, running about 1 1/2 miles on turf in 2:23.80. The first two finishers, along with fourth-place finisher World Ace, are owned by Sunday Racing Co.

Deep Brillante was ridden by Yasunari Iwata for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

Iwata won the Japan Cup last fall on the popular mare Buena Vista.

In the Japanese Derby, Iwata had Deep Brillante near the front throughout, racing in fourth early. Deep Brillante took the lead with a furlong remaining and was fully extended to hold off Fenomeno. Tosen Homareboshi finished three-quarters of a length behind Fenomeno.

Deep Brillante has won 3 of 6 starts. He was third in the Japanese 2000 Guineas in April behind Gold Ship, who finished fifth in the Japanese Derby.