Tokyo, Japan – Croix Du Nord, the highly regarded colt, lived up to expectations with a decisive victory in the Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday. This performance solidified his status as a leading horse of his generation, captivating a sell-out crowd of 80,000.

After a surprising defeat to Museum Mile in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas), were he made his seasonal reappearance, Croix du Nord rebounded emphatically.He surged to the front with approximately 300 yards remaining, leaving no doubt about his superiority.

Arc de Triomphe Dreams

Following his remarkable Derby win, bookmakers have shortened croix Du Nord’s odds to 20-1 (from 33-1) with Ladbrokes for the prestigious prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He is among six horses from outside Europe nominated for the middle-distance championship, scheduled for October at Longchamp.

The Race Unfolds

jockey Yuichi Kitamura, seeking his frist Tokyo Yushun victory, strategically positioned Croix Du Nord, the 11-10 favorite, near the front. Despite Ho O Atman establishing a significant lead turning for home, kitamura remained composed, initiating his move with about 500 yards left in the race.

Stamina and Speed

despite it being Croix Du Nord’s first attempt at a mile and a half, the colt, whose dam is the British-bred mare Rising Cross (second in the 2006 Oaks), displayed remarkable acceleration. He seized the lead and maintained a strong pace to the finish line. Masquerade Ball, who finished third in the Satsuki Sho, closed well to take second place.

A Popular Victory

the win resonated deeply with the crowd, as Croix du Nord is a son of Kitasan Black, the sire of Japanese racing icon Equinox. Furthermore, he is trained locally at the Miho training center by Takashi saito, who celebrated his first Japanese Derby triumph.

Jockey’s Perspective

An emotional Yuichi Kitamura shared his feelings after the race:

This is about more than me being a Derby-winning jockey,I’m happy that Croix Du Nord became the Derby winner. I feel that everything that led to this point was meaningful. I feel that I had a connection with Croix Du Nord.

Yuichi Kitamura, Jockey

Kitamura further elaborated on his confidence in the horse:

I only had one thought, to believe in the horse and to believe in myself. I felt like I was one with the horse, and the horse was running at a good rhythm without me having to do anything extra.

Yuichi Kitamura, Jockey

He concluded with aspirations for the colt’s future:

I was sure that he would definitely improve [from the Satsuki Sho] and I’m glad that my belief paid off. I want Croix du Nord to be more and more well known in the world.

Yuichi Kitamura, Jockey

Other Finishers

Shohei, a recent trial winner, finished third under Christophe Lemaire, while veteran jockey Yutaka Take secured fourth place aboard Satono Shining, just a neck behind.

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