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| Staff Writer |
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In a clash that promises to set pulses racing, Japanese heavyweights Ushba Tesoro and Derma Sotogake are set to lock horns in a high-stakes encounter at Tokyo's Funabashi Racecourse on 25 September. The US$278,900 Hai Stakes, run over 1 1/8 miles, may lack Group status, but it's brimming with more star power than many a Group One contest.
Seasoned campaigner Ushba Tesoro, trained by Noboru Takagi, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The 7YO son of Orfevre boasts an impressive CV, having secured three Group One victories and amassed a staggering US$16,327,477 in prize money from 11 wins in 34 starts.
The bay entire's recent form has been nothing short of sensational, with runner-up finishes in both the US$20 million Saudi Cup and the US$12 million Dubai World Cup earlier this year. His crowning glory came in the 2023 Dubai World Cup, where he stormed to victory on the Meydan dirt.
Standing in Ushba Tesoro's path is the younger but equally formidable Derma Sotogake. The 4YO, hailing from the Hidetaka Otonashi yard, may have less mileage on the clock with just 12 career starts, but he's already proven himself on the global stage.
Derma Sotogake's finest hour came in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, where he finished a gallant second. With four victories and US$3,422,164 in earnings, the bay colt is rapidly closing the gap on his more experienced rival.
Both horses have been enjoying a well-deserved break since their exploits in the Dubai World Cup on 30 March, where Derma Sotogake finished sixth. The Hai Stakes represents a golden opportunity for both to blow away the cobwebs and fine-tune their preparations for a potential tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on 2 November.
While Ushba Tesoro holds the edge in their head-to-head encounters, having finished ahead of Derma Sotogake in two of their three meetings, the latter's relative inexperience suggests there could be more improvement to come.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the contest is the venue itself. Ushba Tesoro has tasted success in his sole outing at Funabashi, whereas Derma Sotogake will be treading new ground at the Tokyo track.
The Hai Stakes, while not boasting a long and storied history, has been steadily growing in stature. Recent winners have gone on to make their mark on the international stage, further cementing the race's reputation as a key stepping stone to global success.
As the countdown to this titanic clash begins, racing enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a battle for the ages. With both Ushba Tesoro and Derma Sotogake harbouring ambitions of Breeders' Cup Classic glory, this encounter could provide vital clues as to which of these Japanese stars holds the stronger hand heading into the autumn.
One thing is certain: come 25 September, all eyes will be on Funabashi Racecourse as two of Japan's finest thoroughbreds vie for supremacy in a contest that could have far-reaching implications for the remainder of the racing season.