Japanese Triple Crown Winner Contrail to Make '21 Debut

The last time Contrail (JPN) stepped onto the turf it was for a dream race—a test featuring three soon-to-be-crowned champions, two of them undefeated. Contrail, the Japanese Triple Crown winner, came up 1 1/4 lengths short of Almond Eye (JPN) in the furious finish of that race, the 2020 Japan Cup (G1), but edged filly Triple Crown winner Daring Tact (JPN) by a neck for second. While Contrail and Daring Tact saw their perfect records fall, all three went on to championship honors in their divisions with Almond Eye also named Horse of the Year. That was then—a race Japanese fans will never forget. This is now. Almond Eye is retired and Daring Tact has gone her own way, leaving Contrail poised on the threshold of stardom in the Osaka Hai (G1) April 4 at Hanshin Racecourse. The 4-year-old faces a diverse group although the field is replete with progeny of his late sire, Deep Impact (JPN). Gran Alegria (JPN), a 5-year-old daughter of Deep Impact, had three grade 1 wins last season. Salios (JPN), a Heart's Cry (JPN) colt, finished second to Contrail in the 2020 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby-G1) and Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas-G1). Wagnerian (JPN), a 6-year-old also by Deep Impact, was the winner of the 2018 Tokyo Yushun. Lei Papale (JPN), a 4-year-old Deep Impact filly, is climbing the class ladder with five consecutive wins. Still, all eyes will be on Contrail with hopes for another superstar to replace Almond Eye. "After the Japan Cup, he had a rest at Daisen Hills," assistant trainer Shigeki Miyauchi said. "He came back to the stable at Ritto (training center) on March 6 and he looks in great shape... He seems more mature now, and he put in a fast piece of work with jockey Yuichi Fukunaga on March 17." Fukunaga echoed that confidence after Contrail was installed in gate No. 7 of 13 at the barrier draw. "He's bigger now, but he's moving very well and showing what speed he has," Fukunaga said. "He's run well at Nakayama over 2,000 meters, and while it won't be an easy race, if he produces his best, the outcome should be good." Yuga Kawada will ride the progressive Lei Papele and acknowledged the challenge that awaits. "There's a lot to look forward to with her, and not least of all here, where she gets to take on great horses like Contrail and Gran Alegria," Kawada said. "It'll be interesting." Most of the main rivals were focused on their own horses rather than considering the prowess of the likely favorite. Japan's leading rider, Christophe Lemaire, said Gran Alegria is still capable. "Even though she's a 5-year-old now, she can still get results... Even though it's her first time at 2,000 meters, I'm sure she'll put in a big run." The 2,000-meter (about 1 1/4-mile) Osaka Hai starts in front of the Hanshin Racecourse grandstand and continues right-handed around the inner turf oval and a second time through the stretch. The race was granted grade 1 status in 2017 and won that year by Kitasan Black (JPN). Suave Richard (JPN), Al Ain (JPN), and Lucky Lilac (JPN) followed to the winner's enclosure.