HALLANDALE BEACH, March 25, 2023 – In the past few years, it’s been amazing how Japanese horses have been so ascendent on the world stage, and that trend continued Saturday as the Far East conquered the Middle East once again. But, of course, all roads lead to Kentucky.
Japanese horses, led by impressive winner Derma Sotogake, swept the UAE Derby superfecta, separating themselves from the group inside the final quarter-mile, the winner going to the front from his inside slip beneath Christophe Lemaire and, as the cliche goes, improved his position.
Always going comfortably albeit pressured throughout, the son of speedy New York-bred champion Mind Your Biscuits from the stamina-producing Japanese mare, Amour Poesie, he widened under hand urging from Lemaire, his first ride aboard the versatile chestnut.
“Of course,” responded owner Hiroyuki Asanuma when asked if he would ship his star colt to Louisville. And why not? He’s Triple Crown nominated, earned 100 qualifying points with the victory and is playing with house money, earning the winner’s share of a million-dollar pot.
Upcoming Tuesday will be a review of the Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks. On Sunday we’ll take advantage of HRI’s Dealer’s Choice prerogative for a sports story about a prominent Kentucky Derby-winning owner and a two-time NCAA Tournament winning Hall of Fame coach.
