Narita Brian Goes After Japan’s Triple Crown
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.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.