This time in Japan at Hanshin on Sunday.

African Gold led nearly all the way in the Kyoto Kinen G2 over 2200m to score from fast-finishing Tagano Diamante and Sanrei Pocket to produce a trifecta of roughies – 51.5, 22.7 and 8.3.  It was a case where the older horses showed the younger ones how to do it.  The best of the younger brigade was Geraldine in fourth.

At Tokyo it had fortunately stopped snowing and this allowed Danon Beluga to win the Kyodo News Hai, a G3 for 3yo colts.  The Hori-sensei trained son of Heart's Cry got a top ride from Kohei Matsuyama to defeat the favourite Geoglyph.  Be Astonished, an early leader, stayed on well to run third on 29.8.  This race over 1800m is a useful prep for the Derby.