Japan: Grenadier Guards wins stakes debut in Asahi Hai Futurity

Grenadier Guards, a Japanese-bred colt by Frankel, won his stakes debut in a 16-1 upset in Sunday’s Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity for 2-year-olds at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan.

Grenadier Guards, who was ridden by Yuga Kawada, stalked the pace in a field of 16 to win by three-quarters of a length over 4-1 Stella Veloce, who closed from the middle of the field. Red Belle Aube, the 3-2 favorite, finished third.

Grenadier Guards was timed in a track-record time of 1:32.30.

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The $1.47 million Asahi Hai Futurity was the first loss for Stella Veloce in his third start. He won the Grade 3 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup at a mile on Oct. 10. Red Belle Aube has won 2 of 4 starts, including the Grade 2 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes at a mile at Hanshin on Nov. 14.

Grenadier Guards has won 2 of 4 starts. He was second and fourth in his first two starts before winning a maiden race at seven furlongs at Hanshin on Nov. 7.

Grenadier Guards is out of Wavell Avenue, an Ontario-bred mare by Harlington who won 7 of 20 starts and earned $1,198,125. Wavell Avenue is best known for winning the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Keeneland in 2015 and finishing second in the same race the following year at Santa Anita.

Grenadier Guards is Wavell Avenue’s first foal.