Third choice Makahiki beat a strong field of three-year-olds in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) to claim his first G1 title in front of the cheering crowd of close to 140,000 fans. Marking three consecutive wins from his debut in the G2 Yayoi Sho in March, Makahiki finished 1-1/4 lengths behind Dee majesty in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas, G1), closing in on the winner with a powerful late charge for a runner-up position. Trainer Yasuo  Tomomichi claimed his first Derby title and sixth JRA-G1 win, following his victory in last year’s NHK Mile Cup
with Clarity Sky. Jockey Yuga Kawada also celebrated his first Derby title and eighth G1 victory following his Takarazuka Kinen win with Lovely Day last year. With this win, he has conquered all five classic races for colts and fillies. Owner Makoto Kaneko marked his third Derby title following King Kamehameha in 2004 and Deep Impact in 2005, tying with Sunday Racing Co., Ltd. for the most Derby titles.

Third pick Makahiki broke smoothly from stall three and traveled in mid-division, around eighth from the frontrunner, along the rails while eying second favorite Satono Diamond in front. Rounding the third corner and approaching the final turn, Yuga Kawada steered the Deep Impact colt to the outside for a clear path. Although caught between horses at the top of the stretch, Makahiki found an opening 300 meters out and after slipping out from the pack behind Air Spinel around the 200-meter marker, accelerated strongly to take command 100 meters out and managed to fend off a strong challenge by Satono Diamond before the wire for a photo-finish win.
“The colt broke smoothly and I was able to race him in good position as planned. I gradually advanced him while marking Satono Diamond and he stretched really well after threading through a small opening. The moment we crossed the wire, I felt that we were a margin in front but I was overwhelmed with joy when the photo-finish result came out. I’m just happy to be able to ride in the Derby and feel very fortunate to have been able to achieve the best result,” commented Yuga Kawada. Satono Diamond was rated seventh from the front with Makahiki and Dee Majesty traveling close behind.

Though allowing Makahiki to surge out before him in the straight, the second favorite dislodged a powerful late charge under Christophe Lemaire to close in on the leader in the last furlong.
Odds-on-favorite Dee Majesty sat in midfield and made bid from an outward position after turning the last two corners wide. The Satsuki Sho winner showed good efforts and diligently closed ground behind Satono Diamond to finish half a length behind in third.

Other Horses:
4th: (5) Air Spinel—ran along rails in 5th, ran willingly and took command 300m out, outrun in last 100m
5th: (12) Leontes—keen to go early, raced 3rd from rear, timed fastest over last 3 furlongs but was too late
6th: (10) Smart Odin—traveled back in mid-pack, switched to outside for clear path 300m out, responded well
7th: (9) Mount Robson—saved ground 2nd from rear, showed belated charge in last 200m
8th: (4) Rainbow Line—was off slow, hugged rails in rear pack, quickened in last furlong
9th: (13) Red Eldest—settled 4th form rear, circled wide, passed tired rivals
10th: (18) Prodigal Son—made headway to 4th from widest stall, ran gamely until 300m out then weakened
11th: (7) Lord Quest—sat behind winner, found little room at early stretch, unable to reach contention
12th: (11) Azur Rose—ran in front of winner and runner-up, lacked needed kick at stretch
13th: (14) Vanquish Run—raced 3-wide in mid-division, even paced at stretch
14th: (6) Agnes Forte—chased leaders in 3rd, sustained bid until 300m out
15th: (15) Immortal—traveled 3-wide toward rear, never fired at stretch
16th: (2) Meiner Honey—set pace, led until 300m out, outrun thereafter
17th: (17) Prophet—chased leader in 2nd from wide draw, used up 300m out
18th: (16) Brave Smash—trailed in rear, no factor throughout
Fractional Time (sec./furlong): 12.6 - 11.1 - 11.9 - 12.1 - 12.3 - 12.9 - 13.1 -