Japan: Lovcen loves the distance in Hopeful Stakes

There can be no doubt about Lovcen’s affection for races at 1 1/4 miles in Japan.

After winning at the extended trip in his debut for first-time starters at Kyoto Racecourse on Nov. 9, Lovcen won his second start in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Nakayama on Saturday.

Lovcen returned $71.70 in American pools.

Ridden by Kohei Matsuyama, Lovcen closed from the middle of the field of 16 to win by three-quarters of a length over 8-1 Forte Angelo.

“He had shown a remarkable turn of foot in training, so I knew he would have the strength to catch the leaders,” Matsuyama said. “Since his first win was over yielding ground, the colt has proven his versatility, so we have a lot to look forward to in his future starts.”

Ask Edinburgh (36-1) finished third, beaten 1 1/4 lengths. Anduril, the 2-1 favorite, finished seventh.

Lovcen, by World Premiere, is trained by Haruki Sugiyama for owner Forest Racing.

The win in the $866,400 Hopeful Stakes puts Lovcen firmly in the conversation for the Grade 1 Japanese 2000 Guineas in April, which is run at Nakayama at 1 1/4 miles. The 2000 Guineas is the first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown.

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