David Morgan

Five key storylines that will define Japanese racing this autumn

International incursions in Hong Kong and North America, the prospect of one of the most highly anticipated Japan Cup clashes of all time and two champion riders engaged in a fierce jockeys' premiership dogfight: David Morgan picks out the five most compelling storylines as Japanese racing surges towards its 2023 crescendo.

David Morgan

Lemaire locks sights on Kawada as Equinox limbers up

A sixth JRA champion jockey title is a high priority for French star Christophe Lemaire, as is adding to Equinox’s already impressive haul of Group 1 wins.

David Morgan

Takarazuka Kinen: Lemaire is confident in Equinox’s adaptability and class

Equinox will face 17 rivals at Hanshin when he attempts to complete the rare feat of winning the Takarazuka Kinen as well as the Tenno Sho Autumn and the Arima Kinen.

Andrew Le Jeune

LJ Confidential: Romantic Warrior and Sol Oriens worthy Group 1 favourites

Asian Racing Report’s Andrew Le Jeune takes a look at short-priced favourites Romantic Warrior and Sol Oriens and asks if there is any way either can be beaten in their respective Group 1 assignments.

莫瑾賢

【柔韌者強】「紅杉木」在港穩步創佳績

這匹在Westbury Stud生活的種馬樂見其子嗣如「颯醒」及「銀影攻略」，還有前途無可限量的「自勝者強」。

David Morgan

Charlie Johnston: Wensleydale, Epsom and beyond

As the young trainer prepares for the Derby at Epsom next week, he reveals that Asian targets are part of his long-term ambitions.

David Morgan

Soaring Redwood showing good growth in Hong Kong

The Westbury Stud stallion is enjoying a stellar season thanks to his sons Sharp ‘N’ Smart and Solidify, and Tuchel’s efforts are uplifting his hitherto low-key status in Hong Kong.

David Morgan

Sol Oriens is another feather in Kitasan Black’s cap

The brilliant Satsuki Sho winner is by the impressive young sire Kitasan Black out of a mare that has surprised her former trainer in establishing her place as a proven producer of quality racehorses in Japan.

Video

Asian Racing Review: Joao Moreira’s Randwick redemption?

Michael Cox and Andrew Le Jeune break down last weekend's monster Dubai World Cup meeting and look ahead to Day One of the Championships at Randwick, where Joao Moreira makes his long-awaited Sydney Group 1 return.

David Morgan

Equinox exemplifies the sense in letting the sport’s stars race on

It is normal for Japanese horses, including champions, to race for multiple seasons and the rest of the world would do well to follow suit to improve competition and build fan connections.

Michael Cox

Children’s fan mail, expectations and Equinox

A dominant win in the G1 Sheema Classic has built on the already substantial hype around Equinox as Japan’s Arc drought again pulls into sharp focus.

Adrian Webber

Keiba Diary: Deep Bond’s hat-trick bid and goodbye Heart’s Cry

As Yuga Kawada and Christophe Lemaire continue their early season tussle in the jockey standings, JRA broadcaster Adrian Webber flags up the weekend’s Hanshin Daishoten fixture and looks at the comings and goings on the JRA scene.

David Morgan

Deep Impact’s boys secure stud berths

Future opportunities to stand a son of the late Deep Impact could well be limited so securing a classy stallion by the great Japanese champion looks sound business for Haras Vacación, and Windsor Park and Mapperley Studs.