JRA Blackbook: ‘lightning’ colt strikes at Hanshin

Shazzan (R9 Hanshin, Sumire Stakes, Listed, 3yo, 2200m, Turf, February 25)

The first foal of 2016 G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Queens Ring served notice of graded success of his own with an impressive display in Saturday’s Listed Sumire Stakes at Hanshin. 

Defeated in an 1800m Niigata Newcomer last July when bested by Danon Tornado, the Yasuo Tomomichi-trained Shazzan has returned impressively to make it two wins from two starts in 2023. 

The colt stamped with a distinctive white ‘lightning bolt’ blaze was forced to watch it all unfold from the back of the field after knuckling when the gates opened, but a confident Mirai Iwata ride saw the son of Lord Kanaloa round-up his five rivals with relative ease in the straight, unleashing a slick 33.1s final for the final three furlongs. 

“He had to accelerate earlier to chase his loss at the beginning of the race,” said Iwata. 

“However, he still had enough stamina in the straight to chase the win. I think he can target some higher level races.”

Suzuka Kotekitai (R10 Nakayama, Bloodstone Stakes, Class 3 Win, 1200m, Dirt, February 26)

Takeshi Okumura’s four-year-old Suzuka Kotekitai has shown the benefit of better barrier manners by stringing together three consecutive wins since December of 2022, the latest a strong Class 3 win on the Nakayama dirt on Sunday. 

Frequently a slow beginner throughout his three-year-old year, Suzuka Kotekitai jumped smartly for Theo Bachelot to settle just off a fast pace. His turn of foot was decisive when produced by Bachelot, sweeping past the leading trio to win running away.  

“I just helped him to jump well,” said the French jockey. “The remaining depended on the ability of the horses and he was strong.”