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| Staff Writer |
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Fresh from a campaign that established him as one of Japan's most promising middle-distance performers, Satono Glanz is poised to take on international competition in the US$2.5 million Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy in Qatar. Under the guidance of three-time Japanese Derby-winning trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, the 4YO son of Satono Diamond represents the growing global ambitions of Japanese racing.
Hoping to improve upon last year's third-place finish in Qatar's prestigious contest, Satono Glanz returns with enhanced credentials and renewed ambitions. The combination of proven stamina and adaptability to international travel makes this latest assault on the Group One feature a compelling chapter in the ongoing story of Japanese racing's global expansion.
Since making his debut in the autumn of 2022, Satono Glanz has carved out an impressive career trajectory that speaks to his exceptional ability. With four victories to his name and an impressive 18 per cent return on investment for his supporters, the progressive colt has repeatedly demonstrated his class.
The 2023 season proved particularly fruitful, with the horse capturing both the Gr.2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai and the Gr.2 Kobe Shimbun Hai. His performance in the latter particularly caught the eye of his trainer. "His performance in the Kobe Shimbun Hai was particularly impressive. At the end, three horses were side-by-side, and to be honest, I thought it was a pretty tough situation, but he showed his guts and won," Tomomichi recounts.
Following a carefully planned preparation, Satono Glanz's connections have set their sights on improving upon last year's creditable third-place finish in the Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy. "At this time of year, there are no races in Japan with distances or tracks suitable for this horse. By comparison, the distance of the Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy and the hard track will suit Satono Glanz," shares Tomomichi of his international aspirations.
The preparation process was the same as last year, with the Gr. 2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai in Japan as a prep race before crossing the ocean. However, due to renovation work at the racecourse, the Nikkei Shinshun Hai was held at 2,200 metres, one furlong shorter than last year.
"As a result, his finishing position was worse than last year (from 3rd to 5th), but there's no denying that his condition has improved since," he asserts.
Tomomichi was relieved that he had a good finishing kick in his last race, as in the Gr.2 Kyoto Daishoten two races ago, he was described as ‘not showing his true potential at all’.
The international challenge begins with a carefully orchestrated travel schedule, departing Kansai International Airport on 6 February for Qatar via Dubai. "Because of his personality, I don't have to worry about air transportation, and in fact, last year it went very smoothly," notes Tomomichi, who himself is scheduled to arrive at the site on Wednesday or Thursday, just before the race.
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The story of how Satono Glanz came to be in Tomomichi's care reflects the strong relationships that underpin Japanese racing. "I've known the owner, Hajime Satomi, for a while. In the past, he said that he would like to leave his horse in my care if the timing was right. Everything finally came together when the horse was about 2YO," explains Tomomichi.
While the horse may lack the explosive turn of foot that characterised his sire, Tomomichi sees this as potentially advantageous for international competition. "Although he doesn't have the sharp acceleration of his father, Satono Diamond, he is actually better at using his stamina for a long time."
The trainer orchestrating this international campaign has followed an unexpected path to racing prominence. "I enrolled in university to become a veterinarian for dogs and cats and was invited to join the equestrian club, which was my first contact with the horse world," reflects Tomomichi. This chance encounter would alter his life's trajectory dramatically.
"As I continued riding, I thought about becoming an equine veterinarian, but in the end, I thought riding would be more fun than being a veterinarian," he recalls. His introduction to racing came through part-time work at Hanshin Racecourse, assisting with pre-race examinations. "From there, the world of horse racing suddenly became closer to me," he reflects.
That initial exposure would lead to remarkable success, with Tomomichi capturing three Japanese Derbys – Makahiki (2016), Wagnerian (2018), and Do Deuce (2022) – thus establishing himself as the most successful active trainer in Japan's premier Classic.
The story of Satono Glanz and his Qatar campaign represents a broader narrative in Japanese racing - one of increasing international ambition and success. Japanese horses have made significant strides on the global stage in recent years, with victories in prestigious races across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. This systematic approach to international competition, carefully selecting races that suit each horse's specific attributes, has become a hallmark of Japanese racing's evolution.
Tomomichi's preparation of Satono Glanz exemplifies this methodical approach. The entire’s training regime has been carefully calibrated to peak at the Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy, with each race and workout designed to build towards this international target. His personality has been remarkably calm and easy since he was 2YO. In fact, his laid-back nature, sometimes considered too relaxed, became one of the key factors in the decision to campaign overseas. What might have been seen as a limitation has proven to be a valuable asset for international travel and adaptation to different racing environments.
The choice of the Gr.3 H.H. The Amir Trophy as a target is particularly significant, influenced by both his racing style and temperament. The race's conditions - from the track surface to the testing distance - align perfectly with Satono Glanz's proven abilities, while his exceptionally calm disposition makes him an ideal candidate for international travel. His development through the competitive Japanese racing programme, facing high-quality opposition in Group races, has prepared him well for this international challenge.
"Every detail of his preparation has been focused on this goal," Tomomichi explains, discussing the horse's specialised training programme. The attention to detail extends beyond just physical preparation - from carefully planned travel arrangements to specific dietary requirements, nothing has been left to chance in the pursuit of international success.
As Satono Glanz prepares for his Qatar challenge, he carries not just the hopes of his connections but represents the continued evolution of Japanese racing on the global stage. The combination of the horse's proven stamina, his trainer's masterful preparation, and their collective international experience positions them as serious contenders for Qatar's prestigious prize.
The journey from promising domestic performer to international campaigner mirrors his trainer's own path from veterinary student to racing excellence. The shared story of progression, from local success to global ambition, embodies the spirit of modern Japanese racing - meticulous preparation, unwavering patience, and the courage to take on the world's best.
As the racing world turns its attention to Qatar, this Japanese partnership stands ready to write its next chapter in the increasingly global story of Thoroughbred racing. With the experience gained from last year's third-place finish and preparation that has left nothing to chance, Satono Glanz and Tomomichi arrive with quiet confidence and serious intent. Their campaign represents not just a single horse's quest for glory, but carries the hopes of a whole nation.