Satono Voyage Eyes Kentucky Derby Following Dominant Japan Road to the Derby Campaign
TOKYO, JAPAN – satono Voyage has secured a likely spot in the starting gate for the 151st Kentucky Derby after topping the final point standings of the 2024-25 Japan Road to the Derby series.The Noriyuki Hori-trained colt clinched the series lead with victories in the final two races, demonstrating a late-season surge that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.
the Japan Road to the Derby series offers a pathway for Japanese-based 3-year-olds to earn automatic entry into the “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs. Satono Voyage’s success marks a continued push by Japanese connections to compete on the international stage, following the groundbreaking achievements of horses like Forever Young, who won both the Saudi Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2024. While Satono Voyage experienced a challenging start to his U.S. campaign, finishing 12th in the 2024 Kentucky Derby due to a slow break and traffic issues, his recent form suggests a potential return to Louisville with improved chances.
Satono Voyage isn’t the only horse from the series making headlines. Luxor Cafe, another prominent contender, continues to race successfully in Japan, recently securing a third-place finish in the Japan Dirt Classic at Oi Racecourse in october and a Grade 3 victory at Tokyo Racecourse on November 15.
The 2023-24 Japan Road to the derby saw T O Password, Ramjet, and Forever Young emerge as the top three point earners. Forever Young ultimately bypassed a return to the Kentucky Derby, rather focusing on international victories including the UAE Derby and a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby itself, before achieving critically important wins in the Saudi Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic. T O Password accepted a derby invitation but finished fifth.
“His success certainly has encouraged all of us,” commented a representative from the Japan Racing Association, highlighting the impact of Forever young’s achievements on the ambitions of Japanese horsemen. Satono Voyage now looks to build on that momentum and perhaps improve upon his previous Kentucky Derby performance.