Cavallerizzo Dominant in Hanshin; Claims G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes

Over a heavy track, the juvenile provided Saturnalia with his first G1 winner, defeating Diamond Knot by three-quarters of a length

Cristian Demuro celebrates in the irons aboard Cavallerizzo / JRA

HANSHIN, JAPAN — In a gritty renewal of the GI Asahi Hai Futurity S., Cavallerizzo (Saturnalia) emerged as Japan's champion 2-year-old miler of 2025. The talented colt confirmed his upward trajectory with a top-shelf performance over a yielding turf, showcasing an elite turn of foot, composure, and determination in the closing stages.

Trained by Tatsuya Yoshioka, Cavallerizzo debuted with a victory at Chukyo in late August and entered Sunday’s test following a runner-up effort to Admire Quads (Real Steel) in the G2 Daily Hai Nisai S. at Kyoto. This victory marks the second G1 title for Yoshioka, following his 2024 Takarazuka Kinen triumph with Blow the Horn (Epiphaneia).

In the irons, Italian ace Cristian Demuro—competing in Japan under a temporary license—notched his sixth career G1 victory in the country. The win adds another milestone to his international resume, following his 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Cup success aboard Stunning Rose.

From a breeding perspective, the victory carries significant weight. Saturnalia (Jpn), the 2019 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) hero who entered stud in 2021, secured his first G1 winner with Cavallerizzo—a pivotal step in consolidating his status among the elite Japanese stallion ranks.

The race saw Diamond Knot (Bricks and Mortar) dictate terms from the jump, opening up a 1 1/2-length advantage at the 800-meter mark. Meanwhile, Cavallerizzo sat mid-pack, tracking Corteo Soleil (Win Bright) and waiting for his cue as the field fanned out turning for home.

In a decisive and daring move, Demuro opted against swinging wide, instead guiding his mount through a gap along the rail. With a furlong to run, only Diamond Knot stood between Cavallerizzo and the wire. Unleashing the fastest final fraction of the race, the son of Saturnalia collared the leader in the shadow of the posts to prevail by three-quarters of a length.

“After a good break, I sat in a good position behind Yuga [Kawada]. Around the final turn, I had a small issue with another horse, but when I asked him to find a gap inside, he responded very well with a great turn of foot," Demuro said. "Christophe [Lemaire] tried to steal it, but my horse was very strong at the finish.”

Diamond Knot, dispatched as the fifth choice, held on gamely for second, while post-time favorite Admire Quads rallied from the rear to secure third.

With this performance, Cavallerizzo not only asserts himself as the premier miler of his crop but also pens a new chapter for the progeny of Saturnalia, a victory that resonates across the Japanese racing and breeding landscape.