Japan: Satono Reve gives Moreira boost in Takamatsonomiya Kinen

Satono Reve gave international jockey Joao Moreira his second important stakes win in Japan in as many days with a predictable victory in Sunday’s Grade 1 Takamatsonomiya Kinen for sprinters at Chukyo Racecourse.

On Saturday, Moreira, well known for his success as a leading rider in Hong Kong, won the Fukuryu Stakes for 3-year-olds with Luxor Café, who has earned a place in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs by winning two stakes in Japan this year. It is not yet clear whether Luxor Café will be sent to the United States, although he is nominated for the American Triple Crown.

Satono Reve, who paid $6.90 in American pools as the favorite, rallied from ninth in a field of 18 to win the $2.19 million Takamatsonomiya Kinen at six furlongs by three-quarters of a length over 5-2 Namura Clair, a 6-year-old mare. Moma Cocha (12-1) finished third, beaten two lengths, closing from off the pace.

Namura Clair has been second in the Takamatsonomiya Kinen for three consecutive years.

The Takamatsonomiya Kinen was the first start of the year for Satono Reve, and his first start since a third in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December.

Moreira told Japan Racing Association publicity that Satono Reve “gave me a beautiful ride.”

“He traveled nicely on the bend,” Moreira said. “I angled him out as we approached the homestretch, and from there he showed that he has an amazing ability.”

A 6-year-old Japanese-bred by Lord Kanaloa, Satono Reve has won 8 of 12 starts. Sunday’s race was his third consecutive start in a Grade 1 or Group 1 race, a span that began with a seventh-place finish in the Sprinters Stakes in Japan in September. He won three consecutive sprint stakes from April to August last year.

Lugal, who won the 2024 Sprinters Stakes, finished seventh on Sunday. Mad Cool, winner of the 2024 Takamatsonomiya Kinen, finished sixth in this year’s running.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.