Efforia has not faced a serious test in two starts in Japan this year, the leading reason the colt is an odds-on favorite for Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse.
Unbeaten in four starts, Efforia won the first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown – the 2000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles – by three lengths over Titleholder at Nakayama Racecourse on April 18. Efforia won his stakes debut in a Grade 3 race at 1 1/8 miles by 2 1/2 lengths over Victipharus at Tokyo Racecourse on Feb. 14.
Explosive Jack’s 2021 season has been highlighted by three derby wins throughout Australia.
The continental tour continues Saturday when the colt will have his ninth career start in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at 1 1/2 miles at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Brisbane.
Mark McNamara:
R1 2.6.9.3
R2 7.2.9.1
R3 1.2.4.7
R4 6.9.3.8
R5 2.1.6.3
R6 8.3.10.4
R7 2.3.6.5
R8 4.3.1.7
R9 4.3.1.2
Best Bet R9 N4 Majestic Star
Longshot R4 N6 Stormtrouper
Play R6 Q/QP 2.3.6
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Paul Lally:
Late last year and early in 2021, Delightful Laos found his footing racing at Happy Valley, where he notched two wins, in Class 3 and Class 2 handicaps, and finished a good second in a third start. The strong form earned Delightful Laos a move to racing at Sha Tin, where he failed to make an impact in two legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic series and most recently finished ninth trying a distance as long as 1 1/2 miles for the first time while facing Group 3 competition.
On May 5, Nikau Spur finished seventh at even-money in a seven-furlong handicap at Warrnambool Racecourse west of Melbourne, Australia.
Nikau Spur was given a post-race lameness diagnosis by a veterinarian, the second time that has happened since December. Nikau Spur has since been cleared to resume racing, and is entered in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne on Wednesday.
Ten American-based horses, eight for trainer Wesley Ward plus two others, form the American contingent headed to races at Royal Ascot in England next month.
In addition to Ward’s octet, Extravagant Kid, trained by Brendan Walsh, and Artos, trained by Rusty Arnold, are intended starters in Royal Ascot races. Neither trainer has started a horse in England, while Ward is an annual participant – and regular winner – at the Royal meet, which runs this year from June 15-19.
Paul Lally:
R1 7-1-8-9
R2 1-12-8-2
R3 4-1-8-2
R4 9-5-1-3
R5 2-3-6-8
R6 1-12-4-8
R7 1-2-4-7
R8 2-1-3-6
R9 9-5-2-1
R10 11-4-2-3
R11 4-3-1-8
Best Bet R8 N2 Glorious Dragon
Longshot R1 N7 Compulsory
Play Race8 QQP 1-2-3
Mark McNamara:
R1 – 8.1.7.3
R2 – 1.2.8.12
R3 – 4.1.2.9
R4 – 9.3.1.6
R5 – 8.1.7.3
R6 – 4.1.5.8
R7 – 2.1.11.4
R8 – 1.3.5.8
R9 – 7.5.9.3
