3 minute read

The cherry blossoms are out in Japan which is quite early.

However eyes will be firmly fixed on the Hanshin track for the running of the G1.  Contrail, a son of Deep Impact, is making his 4yo debut.  He's undefeated and was 3yo Horse of the Year.  The trip should be perfect for him according to Yahagi-sensei.  Fukunaga-san rides.

He also had a birthday this week so is now actually 4!

Gran Alegria is a daughter of Deep Impact and although she is older this is her first attempt at longer than a mile. However Christophe Lemaire knows her well and should be able to make sure she doesn't waste her energy.  Of course she had the mares' weight allowance. 3.1 in the Morning Line. 

Salios is very useful. He's by Heart's Cry and making his 4yo debut, and the filly Lei Papale, another Deep Impact, is also undefeated and has won over the distance.  Salios is on 6.9 and Lei Papale 14.2.  It could be a Deep Impact trifecta.