Japan's Kentucky Derby Bid Up For Grabs March 31
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Photo: Masakazu Takahashi
Nova Lenda after winning the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse
While Derma Louvre, current leader in the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby standings, has opted to run in Dubai, Japan's spot in the Churchill Downs starting gate is up for grabs March 31 in the Fukuryu Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse.
The 1 1/8-mile Fukuryu is the final stop in the Japanese series. Derma Louvre heads for the UAE Derby Sponsored by Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) holding the lead with a mere 14 points. The Fukuryu awards 40 points to the winner—guaranteeing that 3-year-old will surpass Derma Louvre's total and have first call on a May 4 spot in Louisville.
The UAE Derby is part of the North American Road to the Kentucky Derby series that otherwise is comprised of U.S races. Any points Derma Louvre earns in Dubai will not translate to the Japan series, so he likely would need to win or finish second in the UAE Derby to earn his way to Churchill.
Of the eight horses in the Fukuryu field, the only contender with both points and a Triple Crown nomination is Master Fencer, a Just a Way colt who finished fourth in the listed Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse in his most recent start after two wins in restricted events.
Nova Lenda takes 20 points into the Fukuryu but because he's not nominated is not listed in the standings. The Daiwa Major colt would require a late nomination fee.
Others with a chance in Sunday's race include Der Flug, a son of the French-bred Behkabad who is 2-for-2, and Gold Lagoon, a Gold Allure colt who has won his last two starts.