JRA Blackbook: turf convert builds on near-perfect record at Hanshin
One-time NAR galloper Danon Timpani made light work of his Hanshin opposition to make it five career wins from six starts on Sunday, while a daughter of Henny Hughes registered an even more dominant victory at the same track a day earlier.
Danon Timpani and Yuga Kawada, five length winners at Hanshin. (Photo by @kabosu7222)
Danon Timpani (R9 Hanshin, Sanyo Tokubetsu, Class 2 Win, 1400m, March 19)
The Mitsumasa Nakauchida-trained Danon Timpani was successful in his first three starts at Sonoda on the NAR dirt circuit before winning his turf debut last October, with his only career blemish coming when runner-up over 1600 metres at Hanshin at his next start, once again on the turf.
The son of Deep Impact more than made amends at his first start of 2023 however, becoming a two-time turf winner with an effortless five-length victory at Hanshin on Sunday. Despite a positive start from the barriers jockey Yuga Kawada elected to ride Danon Timpani quietly before slipping his mount some rein approaching the turn. The whip was not required as Danon Timpani cruised through his gears to put his rivals to the sword in an arrogant display.
Kawada’s assessment of the still somewhat immature Deep Impact five-year-old was positive, with the caveat that he would still require plenty of time to show his best: “His potential is very high… I think he will grow up slowly.”
Miracle Tiara (R4 Hanshin, 3yo, Class 1 Win, Dirt, 1400m, March 18)
Miracle Legend was a classy dirt performer with multiple Listed victories to her name and her daughter Miracle Tiara looks capable of carrying on the family tradition.
Winning 12 of 25 career starts on the dirt, including nine Listed events, Miracle Legend has already produced another quality dirt runner in Great Time, a son of King Kamehameha who finished third in the 2018 Japan Dirt Derby and runner-up in the G2 Unicorn Stakes of the same year.
Miracle Tiara powers to the line at Hanshin. (Photo by @GrandChariot33)
A filly by Henny Hughes, Miracle Tiara was having her sixth career start at Hanshin on Saturday and displayed improved race craft to make a smart break from the gates, as the three-year-old tackled Muddy conditions for the first time.
Jockey Kohei Matsumaya credited the filly’s start with helping secure a trouble-free run in transit, as the pair enjoyed a comfortable run sitting outside the lead.
“She jumped well today, it was easier for me to stay in a good position,” said Matsumaya.
“Her turn of foot was good and she showed her ability in winning by seven lengths.”
