So for any japanese racing fans the runners for the Yasuda Kinen on the 8th June were announced today, and what a race it will be.
The 3 main contenders are;

Just A Way
The highest rated horse in the world at the moment after his mightily impressive victory in the Dubai Duty Free at Meydan. He also beat the incredible Gentildonna in the Tenno Sho Autumn last year, and on his last 3 runs, thoroughly deserves his place at the top of the ratings. This is a step down to a mile, but he has had form over this distance, most notable when winning the Arlington Cup as a 3 year old.

Mikki Isle
Three year old that has won 5 of his 6 races, only failing on his debut. He won the group one NHK Mile last time out leading from start to finish, the way he has done in all of his victories, making him very pleasing to watch. Not an easy horse to get past in the final straight, and even with his significant cruising speed, he still has a very good turn of foot when the push comes to shove.

World Ace
A horse that has always been highly regarded, favourite for the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) two years ago after finishing second in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), but only finished 4th in the derby, that was his last run until this season as he wasn't seen out in 2013. He was a little disappointing on his return only managing 5th in an allowance race, but came back to best form when winning the Yomiuri Milers Cup last time, and you would expect to see some improvement from that run given the time he was out for, this being only his third run back.


Other contenders include Whale Capture, a group one winning Mare, Fiero, second to World Ace in the Yomiuri Milers Cup after winning 3 on the bounce and Tosen Ra, winner of the Mile Championship last season and placed in numerous races at the top class over distances ranging from a mile to 2 miles.

Looks like being a great race, and can't wait to see the outcome.

You can view each of the 3 main contenders last races by clicking the links below,

Just A Way - 1st Dubai Duty Free, Meydan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGQeYYrKccA

Mikki Isle - 1st NHK Mile, Tokyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q7NY9ETztg

World Ace - 1st Yomiuri Milers Cup, Kyoto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJPYGrnhh7o

Cool cheers for sharing

I saw Mikki Isle race in the NHK Mile live on Sky Racing here and was very impressed with the run.

Mikki Isle is a very impressive horse to watch, and of the 3 main contenders is probably the one best suited to a mile as he is an out and out miler. Judging by World Ace's entries as a three year old he has never been regarded as an out and out miler, and I am a little concerned about the trip for Just A Way, I think he is the best horse in the race but although he has form over a mile, I would prefer to see him in the Takarazuku Kinen a couple of weeks after over 11 furlongs, think this would be better suited, but he was so good in Dubai that he could definitely still be plenty good enough over a mile to win this.

If anyone saw the race it was very close, you can watch the replay here http://japanracing.jp/en/index.html
Mikki Isle very dissapointing, Just a Way just got up, I really think a mile is too short for him, and he has still won which proves how good he is.

Can't believe Grand Prix Boss (who I backed at Royal Ascot) went off at 150/1! I'd have surely backed that a quid each way just for old time sake but I didn't even realise the race was on.

yes he has ran a great race, a hell of a lot better than his recent efforts