Japan Soars Clear To Win King Edward VII Stakes

A return to Group 1 company appears imminent for Japan (3c Galileo - Shastye, by Danehill) after the Aidan O’Brien trained colt ran out a clear winner of the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Epsom Derby third was sent off favourite under Ryan Moore, who held him up at the back of the field as stablemate Jack Yeats (Galileo) set the pace. The bay made good headway approaching the three furlong marker and swept to the front before the final furlong, powering clear to score by four and a half lengths. Bangkok (Australia) claimed runners-up honours to complete a 1-2 for Coolmore stallions.

Speaking after the race, Ryan Moore said, “Japan is more than a St Leger horse, no disrespect to the race. This is a good horse and he will be a very effective mile and-a-half horse going forward.”

Friday marked Japan’s second Group success, having taken the Beresford Stakes at the end of his juvenile season. He was bred by Newsells Park Stud, who sold him at Tattersalls as a yearling for 1,300,000gns.

Bred on the proven Galileo - Danehill cross, he is a full-brother to multiple Stakes winners Secret Gesture and Sir Isaac Newton, while his two-year-old brother Mogul (Galileo), who cost 3,400,000gns, holds an entry in next year's Epsom Derby.