Japan: Lauda Sion upsets NHK Mile at 28-1
Lauda Sion, a 28-1 outsider who was second and third in graded stakes in September and March, recorded a surprise win in Sunday’s Grade 1 NHK Mile at Tokyo Racecourse, catching the champion pacesetter Resistencia in the final furlong.
Resistencia, the champion 2-year-old filly of 2019, could not shake clear of a pesky Lauda Sion and was beaten 1 1/2 lengths as the 2-1 favorite in a field of 18. Gilded Mirror, a filly who was 18-1, finished third, beaten 2 1/4 lengths.
Lauda Sion, ridden by Mirco Demuro, was always within a half-length of Resistencia, who was ridden by Christophe Lemaire. Demuro said Lauda Sion’s best chance was to stay close.
“I knew that the track today ran better for front-runners, and considering that he’s usually an evenly-paced colt, I planned to keep him well up in front,” Demuro told Japan Racing Association publicity. “He’s always quick out of the gate, so we were able to secure a good position.
“I felt he had plenty to outrun Christophe’s filly in the final stages.”
Lemaire rode Resistencia for the first time. The $1.92 million NHK Mile was her first start against males. The race drew 14 colts and four fillies. Geldings were excluded.
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Resistencia has won 3 of 6 starts. She was unbeaten in three starts at 2, including a title-clinching win in the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies in December, but is winless in three starts this year. Resistencia was second in the Grade 1 Japanese 1000 Guineas on April 12 at Hanshin Racecourse.
Lauda Sion, by the Deep Impact stallion Real Impact, has won 4 of 7 starts, including the minor Crocus Stakes at seven furlongs on turf at Tokyo in February. Lauda Sion was second in the Grade 3 Falcon Stakes at seven furlongs on March 14 at Chukyo Racecourse in his final start before the NHK Mile.
Lauda Sion, who races for Silk Racing Co., Ltd. and trainer Takashi Saito, is part of the first crop by Real Impact and was the stallion’s first Grade 1 winner.