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Trainer Takayuki Yasuda has sounded an ominous warning ahead of Sunday’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Gr 1, 1200m) after Danon Smash (Lord Kanaloa) drew gate five at yesterday’s barrier draw, comparing the 6YO to his exceptional sire.
“Last December I honestly thought Danon Smash was not equal to the level of Lord Kanaloa at that stage, but after winning that race, he improved a lot. I think Danon Smash has reached the same point as Lord Kanaloa now,” Yasuda said. Jockey Joao Moreira was pleased but surprised to hear of Yasuda’s comment.
Danon Smash won the Hong Kong Sprint (Gr 1, 1200m) at the course and distance in December and added the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (Gr 1, 1200m) at Chukyo in March. He is the only overseas raider and only Gr.1 winner in the field of 13.