The third entry stage for the June 1 Japanese Derby was set May 18 with 20 3-year-old colts left on the nominees' list for the 92nd running of the Derby at 2,400 meters (about 12 furlongs) on the turf track at Tokyo Racecourse.
All of the top five finishers in the April 20 Satsuki Sho (G1) at Nakayama, including Museum Mile, winner of the first leg of the Japanese Triple Crown, are intended runners for the Japanese Derby.
Trained by Daisuke Takayanagi, Museum Mile started four times last year, winning twice, and finishing second in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1). He made a seasonal debut in the Yayoi Sho (G2) at Nakayama March 9, finishing fourth. But Museum Mile bounced back and won the Satsuki Sho (G1) for Sunday Racing, defeating Croix du Nord, the odds-on favorite, by 1 1/2 lengths.
While Joao Moreira rode Museum Mile in the Satsuki Sho, the Brazilian's temporary license expired and he returned to his home country. Australian Damian Lane has booked the colt in the Japanese Derby.
Museum Mile is by Leontes, the 2015 Japanese champion juvenile who finished fifth in the 2016 Derby. Though Leontes was a miler, he sired T O Royal, winner of the Tenno Sho (G1) over 3,200 meters (about 16 furlongs) at Kyoto in 2024. And as his broodmare sire is Heart's Cry, winner of Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) in 2006. It is expected that Museum Mile will stay at a mile and a half.
