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| Staff Writer |
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Satono Reve is poised to make history as Japan's first Royal Ascot winner when tackling the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, carrying the expectations of an entire nation on his shoulders.
The 6YO sprinter arrives at the Berkshire venue in peak condition, having captured the Gr.1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo before finishing runner-up to Ka Ying Rising in Hong Kong's Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize. His trainer Noriyuki Hori will be making his Royal Ascot debut alongside his stable star.
Japan's Royal Ascot record remains modest, with Ingrandire becoming the country's pioneer runner in 2004 when finishing ninth in the Gold Cup. Shahryar achieved their best result to date when fourth in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes two years ago, among ten Japanese challengers since Ingrandire's groundbreaking appearance.
Satono Reve impressed during his final workout on Newmarket's July Course, powering clear of his lead horse under Ryan Moore's guidance.
Hori reflected on the preparation: "After arriving from Hong Kong, Satono Reve had some time to recover before steadily building up his training. Today, we completed his final gallop before the race, a five-furlong piece on the July Course at Newmarket, ridden by Ryan Moore. Although it is a different environment from what he is used to, he has been coming along well thanks to the warm support of James Horton, his team and everyone involved."