3 minute read

Day four of the Royal Meeting 2019 had been widely predicted to be a strong day for Aidan O'Brien, Coolmore and Ryan Moore.

The second race has proved initial predictions correct - the King Edward VI Stakes was won by four and a half lengths by the O'Brien-trained and Moore-ridden Japan  (6/4f), who had finished third in the G1 Derby last time out.

"The Derby was a very good race, I don't think anyone realised what a good race it was - we can see what happened to Circus Maximus earlier in the week. They were all there together - it was a very high-class race," said O'Brien, the QIPCO leading trainer of the week with five wins.

"This is a very smart horse and he is coming forward lovely all the time, who knows but we couldn't be happier. 

"He had a lovely run in the Dante, and he was just ready to go again, and came forward for the Derby. Wayne was delighted with him in the Derby, Wayne rides him in all his work. Everything has been right with him all the time and progressing all the time."

Lead owner Derrick Smith said: "It was as you would expect him to win really, he was third in the Derby, I reckon he is the best of the lot, this wasn't a surprise. The surprise was the price!" 

Japan is a son of Galileo and is out of Shayste (Danehill). He is a brother to the Oaks runner-up Secret Gesture and the Group 3 winner Sir Isaac Newton.

He was bred by Newells Park Stud, and bought by MV Magnier/Mayfair/P&R Doyle for 1.3 million guineas at Tattersalls October Book 1 Yearling Sale in 2017.