Japan Records Fifth Group Success On Seasonal Return

A return to Group 1 company is on the cards for Japan (5c Galileo - Shastye, by Danehill), after winning the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes on his seasonal reappearance at Chester.

The dual Group 1 winner was sent off favourite under Ryan Moore, as he tackled a mile and five furlongs for the first time. Tracking the leader, he was shaken up at the three furlong marker and switched right to challenge over a furlong later. Leading entering the final furlong, he was ridden out to deny Trueshan by three parts of a length on the line.

Speaking after the race, Ryan Moore said, “He's a beautiful horse we've always held in high regard. He doesn't really enjoy that dead ground and the trip is as far as he wants to go. He's got a great mind. Hopefully that's a good omen.”

Looking forward, he added, “I'd say the Coronation Cup is a possibility – he ran well in the Derby – and he'll be in the frame for a lot of the bigger races later on in the year.”

Thursday marked a fifth Group success for Japan, who is owned by M Matsushima, Derrick Smith, Mrs Magnier and Michael Tabor. Bred by Newsells Park Stud, the 1,300,000gns yearling purchase is an own-brother to three Group winners, most notably dual Group 1 winner Mogul (Galileo).