Kvasir (R5 Hanshin, 2YO Newcomer, 1600m, Nov 26)

Kvasir may have just been shaded for favouritism in Saturday’s newcomer by Frankel colt Ask Beat Luz, but it was the Manabu Ikezoe-trained son of Maurice who won the day after making all for Ryan Moore. 

Debuting over the Hanshin mile, Kvasir jumped swiftly from his low draw and found the front under his own steam for Moore, who proceeded to control the pace on the 2.6 second-elect. After being issued a strong challenge at the top of the straight, Kvasir delivered an impressive kick to cover off his last three furlongs in 34.3 and defeat another Maurice colt, Tenku Hat, who closed nicely into second three-quarters-of-a-length astern. 

A half-brother to the 2021 G2 Rose Stakes Winner and G1 Shuka Sho placegetter Andvaranaut, Kvasir is out of the G3 Mermaid Stakes winner Gullveig.

Moore was impressed by the imposing colt’s size and scope, and suggested that Kvasir would strip fitter for his debut outing. 

“He raced a bit keenly but showed some serious ability,” said Moore. “He was carrying condition and will be even better next time.” 

Toshin Macau (R12 Hanshin, G3 Keihan Hai, 1200m, Nov 27)

While most eyes turned to Tokyo for the Japan Cup, Mizuki Takayanagi’s colt Toshin Macau put in an eye-catching performance of his own on Sunday’s Hanshin card.

Securing his first Group success with a decisive victory in the G3 Keihan Hai, the son of Big Arthur registered his second consecutive stakes success over 1200m, having won the Listed Yukan Fuji Hai Opal Stakes over the same course on October 9. 

Toshin Macau jumped well from his wide barrier and was slid forward by jockey Katsuma Sameshima, before settling just in front of midfield. The three-year-old let down strongly in the straight when produced for his effort to win with plenty in hand. Having been tried over 1400m and 1600m at his first six career starts, Toshin Macau has appreciated the drop in distance of his recent assignments and looks poised to emerge as a player in next year’s Group sprints.

“I hoped to draw inside before the race, but he drew an outside gate,” said Sameshima. 

“He relaxed and travelled well throughout the run and won very easily. He is a three-year-old to watch over sprint trips next year.” 

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