Just A Way Sires First Grade 1 Winner in Japan

Just a Way sired his first top-level winner when Danon the Kid confirmed himself among the best of the Japanese 2-year-olds in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Nakayama Racecourse.

The stallion made a name for himself globally when running away with the Dubai Duty Free (G1) on World Cup night in 2014, a performance which saw him top the Longines World's Best Racehorse rankings.

He went on to take the Yasuda Kinen (G1) but was a little disappointing behind Treve in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Just a Way has three crops on the ground from Shadai Stallion Station and was leading first-season sire in 2018.

He has produced five group winners and smart performers including Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) third Velox and Master Fencer, who has recently rediscovered his form after running in last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).

The Hopeful Stakes could be a guide to next year's Japanese classics as it was won 12 months ago by the Triple Crown hero Contrail. That looks the objective for Takayuki Yasuda's Danon the Kid, who made smooth progress from mid-division to score by an authoritative 1 1/4 lengths.

Bred by Northern Farm, he is unbeaten in three starts, having lost his maiden tag in June and landing the Nov. 23 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes (G3), another event Contrail landed.

Jockey Yuga Kagawa said: "I'm just so happy that I have at last been able to win on one of my mentor and teacher Mr. Yasuda's runners.

"The stable staff did a great job in tuning up the colt and he ran much better than he did in his previous start but still, he couldn't find a good rhythm and was not steady in the last two corners today.

"There is still a lot of room for improvement and we intend to work hard so he can kick off a good 3-year-old campaign."