The Kenichi Fujioka-trained Jack d'Or confirmed his status as one of the most promising horses in Japan with victory in Sunday's Group II The Kinko Sho (2000m) at Chukyo.
It will be welcome news for Arrowfield Stud, whose connections to the rising star goes deeper than being a son of the shuttle stallion Maurice (JPN).
Ridden Yusuke Fujioka, Jack d'Or led every step of the way to defeat the Group 1 Osaka Hai winner Lei Papale (Deep Impact) by two and a half lengths with the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Akai Ito (Kizuna) a further one and a quarter length back in third.
The flashy chestnut 4yo shaved a second off the previous course record in registering his fifth consecutive win.
Second in his two starts at two, Jack d'Or opened his winning account at Hanshin last April, before finishing fifth in the Listed Principal Stakes at Tokyo a month later. He has not been beaten since.
The son of Maurice (JPN) rounded out his 3yo season with wins at Chukyo and Tokyo.
He earned black-type at his 4yo bow in the Shirafuji Stakes at Tokyo on January 29.
All nine of Jack d'Or's starts have been at 2000m.
Jack d'Or is the best of six winners from nine to race from Ravarino, a daughter of former Arrowfield shuttler, Unbridled's Song (USA).
The Arrowfield influence goes back a further generation as Ravarino is not only a half-sister to the stakes-winners Porte Bonheur, Slipstream, and Banafsajee, but also the Rahy mare Grilse (USA).
Grilse (USA) is the dam of the Arrowfield favourite Alverta who carried the black and yellow diamonds and yellow cap to victory in the 2010 Group 1 Coolmore Classic.
The daughter of Flying Spur raced with distinction in Europe, clocking in third behind Starspangledbanner and Equiano in the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket.
