First Leg of Japanese Triple Crown to Justin Milano

The Gr1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas) was won by in Japan by Justin Milano (Kizuna-Margot Did, by Exceed and Excel) on Sunday ridden by jockey Keita Tosaki, reports bloodhorse.com. "He's a big-striding horse, and we'll have to see how he does on the small oval track in a race with many runners. The ground might not be in the best condition on the last weekend of racing as well," trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said. "But he's quite easy to control, which I think works in his favor. I think he can handle any kind of race. With the talent he has, I think he has a chance, and I'm hoping for a good run as we look ahead to the Derby with him." Justin Milano is out of Gr1 Nunthorpe Stakes winner Margot Did, who has also left Gr1 Belmont Oaks winner Magic Attitude (Galileo) and Gr2 winner Mission Impassable (Galileo). Justin Milano is unbeaten in three starts. In second was Group 2 winner Cosmo Kuranda (Al Ain-Southern Speed, by Southern Image) whose dam won the Gr1 Caulfield Cup.

Southern Speed is the dam of runner-up Cosmo Kuranda (pic: Mark Gatt)