Narita Brian Goes After Japan’s Triple Crown
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TOKYO — Narita Brian has a shot at becoming the first winner of Japan’s Triple Crown in a decade on Sunday when he runs in the $2.1-million Kikka-sho at Kyoto Racecourse.
The 3-year-old son of 1988 Florida Derby winner Brian’s Time already has won the first two races in the series--the Satsuki-sho in April and the Japan Derby in May.
“I certainly feel pressure is building up on me,” said Narita Brian’s jockey, Katsumi Minai.
Narita Brian set a course record of 1:59 over the 1 1/4-mile grass course in the Satsuki-sho, and won the 1 1/2-mile Derby by five lengths over Air Dublin.
But he raised some questions when he ran second to Star Man, another 3-year-old colt, in the 1 3/8-mile Kyoto Shimbun-hai on Oct. 16.
Star Man is among the 14 entered to challenge Narita Brian in the 1 7/8-mile race.
Only four horses have won Japan’s version of the Triple Crown, St. Lite in 1941; Shinzan in 1964; Mr. C.B. in 1983 and Symboli Rudolph in 1984.
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