Japan is set to have two runners in the Kentucky Derby following news that Continuar will join UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake at Churchill Downs on May 6.
Continuar, who was fifth in the Saudi Derby before finishing third in Dubai, represents formidable globe-trotting trainer Yoshito Yahagi, who stunned American racing with his historic Breeders’ Cup double at Del Mar in 2021 via Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine.
Ryusei Sakai will partner Continuar, who is by former US champion sprinter Drefong, now based at Shadai in Japan.
Kentucky Derby: Japanese star Derma Sotogake set for Churchill Downs after UAE Derby rout
Drawn wide in gate 12 of a 13-runner field in the UAE Derby, Continuar raced three wide throughout before claiming third place about ten lengths adrift of Derma Sotogake (drawn one) in a $1 million event where Japanese-trained horses filled the first four places.
Like his Meydan conqueror, Continuar will travel to Louisville direct from Dubai. “I decided on the expedition because I think the extra distance of the 2,000 metres will help close the gap with the top runners,” explained Saudi Cup-winning trainer Yahagi, speaking to Tospo-Keiba.
Reports in Japan have also confirmed that five-time JRA champion jockey Christophe Lemaire will maintain his partnership with impressive Meydan scorer Derma Sotogake. Lemaire rode last year’s UAE Derby winner Crown Pride in 2022 at Churchill Downs, where the Japanese runner was part of a torrid pace shake-up before fading to 13th.
Both horses from the Japanese Classic class of 2023 are guaranteed a place in the 20-runner field for the 149th edition of America’s most famous race via the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series.
Trained by Hidetaka Otonashi, Derma Sotogake earned 100 qualifying points via his Dubai triumph, while Continuar’s connections have accepted their invitation as part of the dedicated ‘Japan route’ to the $3m contest.
As a two-year-old, Continuar won the first leg on this ‘Japan Road’, the Cattleya Stakes on November 26 at Tokyo racecourse and has 40 qualifying points altogether.
With Japanese leader Derma Sotogake already qualified via the UAE Derby, and second-placed Perriere deciding against a trip to Kentucky, Continuar receives a guaranteed place in the gate.
• Visit the Japan Racing Association website and the Kentucky Derby website
What’s been happening: Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro, HISA, Rich Strike and more …
Electrifying Equinox is new world #1 after dazzling display in Dubai
View the latest TRC Global Rankings for horses / jockeys / trainers / sires