Report: Japan, Sunday
Hanshin: Hanshin Daishoten (Grade 2) 1m7f, turf, 4yo+
HOT-favourite Gold Ship (Naosuke Sugai) easily prevailed on his seasonal debut in the Hanshin Daishoten, a recognised trial for the Grade 1 Tenno Sho Spring, under his new partner for the season Yasunari Iwata.
The five-year-old stalked the modest pace-setting Bande, before hitting the front on the home turn and scoring by an easy three and a half lengths from Admire Rakti, with Bande a neck away in third.
Iwata said: "I thought any position would be good for him but I had to take notice of the easy early gallop. I felt his powerful stride and it's a relief to get that out the way."
Trainer Sugai added: "His condition was very good both physically and mental. Iwata's riding was very good. I thought he should not lose in this race as a Grand Prix (Arima Kinen) winner. I will train him for the Tenno Sho Spring now."
Also on Sunday . . .
Nakayama: Spring Stakes (Grade 2) 1m1f, turf, 3yo
Third-favourite Rosa Gigantea (Kazuo Fujisawa/Mirco Demuro), who raced from last after a slow break, emerged from the pack to land this trial for the Satsuki Sho [Japanese 2,000 Guineas].
Top two-year-old Asia Express chased home the winner with Clarity City back in third.
Demuro said: "He is a great colt, though he didn't break alertly and ran green on his first experience of Nakayama racecourse. My license will be up by the end of the month but I'm keen to ride him again."