Japan: Jantar Mantar prevails in Yasuda Kinen, earns BC Mile berth
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A champion beat a champion in Sunday’s Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen at a mile at Tokyo Racecourse in Japan.
Jantar Mantar, the country’s champion 2-year-old colt of 2023, beat a field that included Soul Rush, the 2024 champion miler in Japan who won the Group 1 Dubai Turf in the United Arab Emirates in April.
With his win, Jantar Mantar earned a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 1. Soul Rush secured a berth with his win in the Dubai Turf.
In the $2.41 million Yasuda Kinen, Jantar Mantar was never far from the front in a field of 18. Ridden by Yuga Kawada, Jantar Mantar was third on the backstretch and turn while being patiently handled. Kawada waited until the final furlong before aggressively urging Jantar Mantar to the front. The colt quickly took a commanding lead.
Kawada told Japan Racing Association publicity that Jantar Mantar “was over-excited” when challenged early in the race.
“I was still in doubt as to how he would respond (in) the stretch but, considering the circumstances, he really put in a good performance in the end and really exceeded my expectations as to how strong he is,” Kawada said.
Jantar Mantar, who paid $18.20 in American pools, won by 1 1/2 lengths over Gaia Force. Soul Rush finished third, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. Gaia Force and Soul Rush closed from well off the pace.
A winner of 5 of 8 starts, Jantar Mantar raced for the first time this year on Sunday. As a 2-year-old, he clinched the championship by winning the Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity at a mile on turf in December 2023.
In four starts last year, Jantar Mantar won once, in the Grade 1 NHK Mile for 3-year-olds at Tokyo Racecourse in May, and did not race again until he finished 13th in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong last December.
“He was unable to race to his standard at all last time out, but I’m glad that he was able to show his true form today,” Kawada said.
By Palace Malice, Jantar Mantar races for owner Shadai Race Horse Co. Ltd., and trainer Tomokazu Takano.