Vent Vive (R2 Fukushima, 2YO Maiden, 1800m, 8 July)

Mitsunori Makiura’s two-year-old Vent Vive atoned for an unlucky debut third to break his maiden in comprehensive style at Fukushima on Saturday.

By five-time JRA G1-winner Daiwa Major out of Italy G3-winning mare Sandslash, not much went right for Vent Vive at his first race outing on June 17, sitting back and wide in a 1400m Tokyo Newcomer before hitting the line strongly to snatch a placing.

With jockey Mirco Demuro retaining the ride, there were no such problems for the duo out to the Fukushima 1800m, as Vente Vive rounded up his six rivals to win by an effortless five lengths. The 2.0 favourite finished off in 36.7s for his final 600m on a surface that although officially rated firm, did appear to have some significant kickback.

“I was confident today,” said Demuro.

“When there were four horses chasing the lead after jumping out from the gate, I was worried, but it was great that he could calm down and accelerate steadily. I am happy that he could win today.”

Better mile races look well within this colt’s scope.

Suzu Khalom (R9 Chukyo, Class 1 Win, Thailand Cup, 1400m, 9 July)

Kazuya Makita’s three-year-old Suzu Khalom had been tried at 1600m and 1800m in four career starts prior to Sunday’s 1400m assignment at Chukyo, but a strong victory suggested that shorter trips could best suit the son of Satono Diamond.

Beginning smartly for jockey Kohei Matsuyama, the 3.1 chance stalked the speed before exploding through a gap at the top of the straight, finishing off his race in 35.0s to win by a big space.

“He jumped well and stayed in a very good position,” said Matsuyama.

“He was relaxed during the race and showed his strength to win by a large margin.”

The longer distances may well have been blunting Suzu Khalom’s considerable turn of foot, so look for him to put his best foot forward at 1400m and even down to 1200m.

JRA Blackbook: Screen Hero filly makes it three straight at Fukushima