Satono Reve (R10 Nakayama, Katsuura Tokubetsu, Class Two, 1200m, October 1)

The form out of the G1 Sprinters Stakes might be up for question after a blowout result but a future contender for Japan’s next standout sprinter might have been found on the undercard. 

Satono Reve did not race as a two-year-old but looks like being a breakout star for master trainer Noriyuki Hori after taking his career record to three wins and a second from four starts as a three-year-old. 

By Lord Kanaloa and a half-brother to top sprinter miler Hakusan Moon, Satono Reve actually ran 0.1 seconds faster than the seven-year-old Sprinters Stakes winner Gendarme. 

Like most Hori charges, Satono Reve has been thoroughly prepped and jockey Suguru Hamanaka believes it is the colt’s racing manners will hold him in good stead when he finds himself in stakes company. 

“He keeps improving,” Hamanaka said. “He will be able to maintain his performance in higher class.” 

Danon Touchdown (R5 Chukyo, Newcomer, 1600m, October 1)

With a serious pedigree, big yearling purchase price and some solid trackwork, the market didn’t miss Danon Touchdown, and he didn’t disappoint favourite backers.

Another colt by Lord Kanaloa, Danon Touchdown is a half-brother to 2020 G1 Hopeful Stakes winner Danon The Kid and cost 264 million Yen (US$1.8m) at the 2021 Select Sale. 

After jumping 2.3 top pick, Danon Touchdown used an eye-catching turn-of-foot to overcome a slow tempo from back in the field. 

Danon Touchdown has been placed with Danon The Kid’s handler Takayuki Yasuda and winning jockey Yuichi Fukunaga said the stable “did a great job of building” the colt ahead of his debut. 

“He showed high level ability,” Fukungaga told reporters post-race. “I am looking forward to his future.”