Santa Anita Derby contender Mandarin Hero likes the chase

Japan-based Mandarin Hero is the only known shipper for the Santa Anita Derby. His trainer, Terunobu Fujita, provided insight into the colt’s late-running style in a recent visit to California. Fujita told Santa Anita publicity that Mandarin Hero “has really good acceleration in the final stretch.”

“I think he probably cannot handle the early pace, but he really likes to chase down other horses,” he said.

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Mandarin Hero won all four starts as a 2-year-old. He finished second in his only start at age 3, racing 1 1/8 miles Feb. 23. All five starts by Mandarin Hero were at Oi Racecourse in Tokyo. The colt is scheduled to ship March 29, and arrive at Santa Anita on March 31 after he clears quarantine. Fujita, 2022 leading trainer at Oi, told Santa Anita publicity he would name a California rider for Mandarin Hero. The son of Shanghai Bobby is the only horse Fujita nominated to the Triple Crown.

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