Takayuki Yasuda has sounded an ominous warning ahead of Sunday’s, 25 April, HK$18 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200m by declaring Danon Smash the equal of superstar Lord Kanaloa, the best horse the revered Japanese trainer has handled in a long, distinguished career.
Danon Smash works on the turf under Joao Moreira. (Pic- HKJC)
Delighted by Danon Smash’s draw of barrier five for Sunday’s dash, Yasuda said the speedster’s triumph in last December’s Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint over 1200m from gate 14 formed the catalyst for parallels to Lord Kanaloa – a six-time Gr1 winner and also the sire of Danon Smash.
“Last December I honestly thought Danon Smash was not equal to the level of Lord Kanaloa at that stage, but after winning that race, he improved a lot,” Yasuda said. “I think Danon Smash has reached the same point as Lord Kanaloa now.
“Two years earlier in 2019, Danon Smash came to Hong Kong but was defeated (when eighth behind Beat The Clock in the Gr1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint) and he was disappointing. Last December, he won and it was a pleasant moment for me so I would like another strong performance on Champions Day.
“He is now already six-years-old, he has matured and improved significantly in the latter part of his career, I am really excited for the race this weekend.”
With more than 860 wins, including 18 Gr1 spoils, Yasuda is an immensely respected figure not given to hyperbole – a conservative disposition which gives added clout to the comparison of his current and former charges.
With a last start victory in the Gr1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen over 1200m at Chukyo Racecourse on 28 March, Danon Smash is still to amass a portfolio to match that of Lord Kanaloa as Yasuda indicated the bay could be set for more Hong Kong sorties.
“Just after he won the Hong Kong Sprint last December, we decided to come to Hong Kong in April,” Yasuda said. “After the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, Danon Smash will take a rest. The next target would be the Sprinters Stakes then after that, I want to come to Hong Kong again for the international races.”
Danon Smash is the sole international raider – and set to be the ruling favourite – for Sunday’s 1200m dash, where the performances of Wellington (barrier three), Sky Field (one), Stronger (eight), surprise Gr2 Sprint Cup (1200m) winner Amazing Star (four) and Jolly Banner (11) will provide a gauge into the strength of local sprint ranks.
Joao Moreira, who will ride Danon Smash, was pleasantly surprised by Yasuda’s generous comparison with Lord Kanaloa.
“Lord Kanaloa is the best sprinter I have seen turn up here in Hong Kong, so I am very surprised Mr Yasuda has put Danon Smash on his level but I am very pleased to be riding him,” the Brazilian said.
“In my opinion, gate five is extremely good, he will have the chance to place himself wherever he wants to.
“It is a tricky race, there are some fast horses inside and on the outside.
“I am very, very happy with the gate. Any gate this time was going to be better than 14 last time, so I believe he will find it much easier to place himself in the race this time.”
Lord Kanaloa wins his second consecutive LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. (Pic- HKJC)
“That was a very impressive win, in my opinion. It was a stronger race than what we have on the weekend. I am not expecting him to perform any different, he looks in as good a form, maybe even better.
“Having the chance to ride such a good horse, I am very, very pleased with that.
“It is an open field, there isn’t one that stands out. If there is one, Danon Smash is the one, the locals will find it very hard to beat him, based on his form and his ability. He will find it a bit easier to get himself placed in the race.
“Jolly Banner has to be respected but the main one is Wellington who has proven himself to be a good horse.”
Golden Sixty will jump from gate five against five rivals in the HK$20 million Gr1 FWD Champions Mile over 1600m, including defending champion Southern Legend (four), Ka Ying Star (six), Mighty Giant (one), More Than This (three) and Healthy Happy (two).
Karis Teetan expects Caspar Fownes’ Southern Legend to provide stiff opposition for Golden Sixty as Hong Kong’s top-rated galloper chases a 17th victory from 18 starts, a 14th win in succession and a fourth Gr1 in a row.
“It’s only a small field and with luck in running, I believe Southern Legend can run very well again,” the Mauritian said. “He always gives his best.”
Tony Cruz concedes hopes of Exultant posting successive wins in the HK$25 million Gr1 FWD QEII Cup over 2000m are clearly compromised by the presence of a quartet of high-class Japanese raiders – Daring Tact (one), Kiseki (three), Loves Only You (five) and Glory Vase (seven).
“The Japanese look very strong,” Cruz said as he assessed the chances of Exultant (two) and Time Warp (four). “Exultant is in tip-top form and Time Warp will run very well, but the Japanese are very impressive.”
Francis Lui’s Glorious Dragon, who will be ridden by Matthew Poon, will depart from gate six.
FWD Champions Day features three Group 1 races at Sha Tin, the HK$25 million FWD QEII Cup over 2000m, the HK$20 million FWD Champions Mile over 1600m and the HK$18 million Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200m.
