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Leather Sotojak Saturday’s victory in the Emirates derby ensured that the Japanese colts were in the 2023 Kentucky Derby starting gate.
Led by jockey Christophe Lemaire, Derma Sotogake ran 1 3/16 miles at the Meydan Racecourse in 1:55.81. After finishing at 6-1, the 3-year-old Mind Your Biscuits colt took the lead in the first leg and never gave up, returning $14.50 on the $2 winning bet.
Group 2, the $1 million Emirates Derby awards the Kentucky Derby, awarded to the top five in a 100-40-30-20-10 ratio.
“Of course,” said owner Hiroyuki Asanuma when asked on the Dubai World Cup (G1) Card World broadcast whether Derma Sotogake’s next stop would be the Kentucky Derby.
Hidetaka Otonashi trains Derma Sotogake for Asanuma. The colt has also won two Japan Championships on his ledger and finished third in the Saudi Cup (G1) Saudi Derby (G3) on February 25.
“I want him to go to America, I’d love to ride him there,” Le Maire said. “How could anyone refuse?”
Derma Sotogake was followed by runner-up Dura Erede, 5 1/2 lengths behind the winner. The third Continuar was followed by the fourth Perriere.
The 3-year-olds from Japan are both nominated for the Triple Crown, earning Kentucky Derby points for Saturday’s game.
Cairo won the Button Stakes in the European Points Derby but finished 10th in the UAE Derby 2-1.
“It was his first run on dirt and he just didn’t feel like himself,” jockey Ryan Moore said.
The Bob Baffert-trained teenage Worcester ranked 11th. Baffert is ineligible for Derby points for this game due to his suspension at Churchill Downs.
Preparations for the Emirates Derby as the Kentucky Derby have been ineffective. None of the 18 Derby starters preparing for the event had a rebound at Churchill Downs.
2022 Emirates Derby graduates Crown Pride and Summer Is Tomorrow finished 13th and 20th in Kentucky last year. These runners from Japan were all part of a fast early pace that opened the door for Rich Strike’s late defeat.
Hours after the Emirates Derby, two other Kentucky Derby prep games will be played on Saturday afternoon. The $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds (G2) and the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park (G3) both award Derby points on a 100-40-30-20-10 ratio.
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