Croix du Nord Answers the Call in Tokyo Yushun

In Tokyo, the son of Kitasan Black (Jpn) prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Masquerade Ball (Jpn), while Satono Shining (Jpn)—out of the Argentine-bred mare Sweetie Girl (Arg)—finished a close-up fourth

Croix du Nord secured the second Group 1 victory of his career in Japan / JRA

TOKYO, Japón (Special for Turf Diario).- Sent off as the overwhelming favorite, Croix du Nord (Jpn) lived up to expectations and confirmed the promise he had shown at two by capturing Sunday's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) over 2400 meters on the turf at Tokyo Racecourse. In doing so, he established himself as the standout among the 7,950 foals registered in his generation, securing the second jewel of the Japanese Triple Crown.

A son of the great Kitasan Black (Jpn), Croix du Nord had already been named Japan's Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of 2023 following his emphatic win in the G1 Hopeful S. over 2000 meters. He returned this season as the leading contender in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), where he finished second, beaten 1 1/2 lengths by Museum Mile (Jpn) (Leontes). On Sunday, under a flawless ride from Yuichi Kitamura and trained by Takashi Saito, he turned the tables to hand both horseman and trainer their first Classic wins—and second Group 1 titles—with the colt. For owner Sunday Racing, the victory marked a record-setting fifth win in the Japanese Derby, the most in JRAhistory.

Breaking from post 13, Croix du Nord got away cleanly and gradually angled in to settle in third or fourth position, tracking Satono Shining (Jpn) (Kizuna), himself out of the Argentine-bred Sweetie Girl (Arg) (Star Dabbler), who set the early tempo before yielding to Ho O Atman (Jpn) (Duramente). The latter opened up a sizable advantage down the backstretch, building a lead of nearly 10 lengths.

Kitamura kept his mount relaxed and in rhythm while allowing the frontrunner to go, and when Ho O Atman began to tire with 300 meters remaining, Croix du Nord launched his bid down the center of the course.

He reeled in Satono Shining approaching the final furlong, surged to the front, and held off the late charge of Masquerade Ball (Jpn) and Shohei (Jpn) (Saturnalia) to score by three-quarters of a length.

“Ever since we won the Hopeful Stakes, I felt it was my mission to make Croix du Nord a Derby winner,” said an emotional Yuichi Kitamura. “So now I just feel a tremendous sense of relief. Everything we went through after that victory, including the second in the Satsuki Sho, was a valuable learning experience for me. The horse was in top condition today, and that gave me complete confidence going into the race. He broke well, settled comfortably, and responded exactly as I’d hoped in the stretch. I always believed he would reach the wire first.”

Masquerade Ball, another son of Duramente, tracked the leaders from mid-pack and, after a patient run down the backstretch, was asked to quicken by Ryusei Sakai around the far turn. Once straightened, he produced a powerful outside rally to pass Shohei and Satono Shining, but while he made up ground, he never truly threatened the winner.

Shohei, quick into stride, saved ground behind the leaders and followed Croix du Nord into the stretch. Though unable to match strides with the winner, he stayed on gamely to edge Satono Shining for third in the final strides.