The Satono Crown colt Tastiera turned the tables on his Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) conqueror Sol Oriens in a thrilling Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (2400m) at Tokyo Racetrack on Sunday.
Under a perfectly timed ride by Damian Lane, the Noriyuki Hori-trained colt was out on his feet in defeating the short-priced favourite Sol Oriens (Kitasan Black) by a neck with Heart’s Concerto (Heart’s Cry) a nose back in third.
Tastiera won his only start at two in an 1800m Newcomers race at Tokyo.
After a first-up fourth over 1800m in a Group III at Tokyo in February, the son of Santono Crown won the Group III Nakayama Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen.
Tastiera had problems with a hind leg, which hampered his preparation for the Satsuki Sho. He hit the front 200m out but had no answer to the barnstorming finish of Sol Oriens.
The son of Kitasan Black lost his unbeaten record at his fourth start.
Tastiera comes from the first crop of Shadai Stallions Hong Kong Vase and Takarazuka Kinen winner Satono Crown (Marju) and is his first winner at the elite level.
Bred by Northern Farm and raced by Carrot Farm, Tastiera is the first foal of the Manhattan Café (JPN) mare Partitura (JPN), who won three of 12 starts.
Partitura (JPN) has a 2yo filly by Bricks And Mortar (USA), a yearling filly by Rey de Oro (JPN), and was covered by Kitasan Black (JPN).
