Jantar Mantar Bounces Back With A Bang In Yasuda Kinen
Connections will discuss next steps for the strapping colt who had raced just once since his win in the G1 NHK Mile Cup in May, 2024.
Jantar Mantar’s convincing victory in the G1 Yasuda Kinen reopened a world of international options for the rejuvenated four-year-old.
The Shadai Farm-owned colt had only raced once in the last 13 months and that was a well-beaten 13th in the G1 Hong Kong Mile six months ago.
But a barnstorming win on Sunday in Tokyo meant Jantar Mantar joined a select group of Japanese horses to win a Group 1 at two, three and four – and put travel back on the agenda for connections.
The Yasuda Kinen is also a “win and you’re in” qualifier for the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 1 and trainer Tomokazu Takano said that was one of the many possibilities for his horse.
“Nothing has been decided yet — not whether we’ll race overseas (or stay in Japan), nor the distance,” Takano said. “We’ll discuss everything within the team, including the possibility of going to the United States.”
The winning margin of one and a half lengths didn’t tell the full story of Jantar Mantar’s dominance. The son of Palace Malice travelled strongly, sitting three-deep without cover up on the pace throughout before Yuga Kawada asked for a sprint from the 200 meters.
Gaia Force was second and Romantic Warrior’s conqueror Soul Rush, who had settled back in the field, could only run into third.
The winning trainer said that Jantar Mantar’s return effort in Hong Kong had set his horse back a few months after the track was firmer than expected.
“We had a clear target and timeline, so we were able to plan everything accordingly,” Takano said. “I think we managed to do everything necessary by that point — like making sure the horse had fully recovered physically. Of course, the horse’s own resilience played a part too, but considering how tough the race in Hong Kong was, it’s remarkable that things went smoothly from the moment we brought him back.
“There were no issues that forced us to ease off in training, and that was the best part. If I had to point to one key factor, I’d say it was the sincere and dedicated care provided by the staff at Shadai Farm’s Yamamoto Training Center. That made all the difference.” ∎
