Meisho Samson wins at Nakayama

Meisho Samson came late to win the $1.97 million, 1 1/4-mile Satsuki Sho, or Japanese 2000 Guineas, at Nakayama on Sunday, giving rider Mamoru Ishibashi his first Grade 1 victory after 22 years in the saddle.

A surprisingly long 13.50-1 despite his March 19 victory in the 1 1/8-mile, Grade 2 Spring Cup, Meisho Samson held off Dream Passport by a half-length. Fusaichi Junk finished third, with the 6-5 favorite, Admire Moon, a late-running fourth. The time for the 1 1/4 miles on a rain-soaked but firm turf course was 1:59.90.

* On Saturday, Australian invader Karasi landed the world's richest jump race, the $1.32 million Nakayama Grand Jump, for the second successive year, defeating the 6-5 favorite, T M Dragon, by a neck.

* At Sha Tin on Saturday, the 7-10 favorite, Joyful Winner, ran down Silent Witness to take the Group 1, $580,050 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup by a half-length.