Report from Japan

The world’s top-rated horse, Calandagan, was all out to defeat Japan’s best, Masquerade Ball, by a head at the end of the 1 1/2 miles of the Japan Cup (G1) Nov. 30 at Tokyo Racecourse.

A dawdling pace in the $301,500 Hollywood Derby (G1T) Nov. 29 at Del Mar turned the race into a test of late acceleration, and Salamis passed with flying colors.

Bella Ballerina, a half sister to 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Pretty Mischievous, is on the Oaks trail herself after a win in the $397,375 Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs Nov. 29.

Seabiscuit is considered one of horse racing’s greatest longshot stories, so fittingly the $200,000 Seabiscuit Handicap (G2T) at Del Mar Nov. 29 was won by the race’s longest shot: Call Sign Seven at 68-1.

A dawdling pace in the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T) Nov. 29 at Del Mar turned the race into a test of late acceleration, and Salamis passed with flying colors.

Joining Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Ted Noffey, Further Ado gives Spendthrift Farm two aces heading toward the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1). Further Ado captured the Nov. 29 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association Florida Sire Stakes series wrapped up Nov. 29 at Gulfstream Park with a pair of homebreds taking top honors in the two $300,000 stakes for Florida-bred 2-year-olds.

Satono Voyage set sail on a voyage that could find him at Churchill Downs in May with a victory Nov. 29 in the first leg of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Over the four days of selling, 646 lots sold for 37,893,400 guineas (US$52,671,826), down 13% year on year, while the average finished at 58,660 guineas (US$81,537), also down 13%, but the median came in at a record 30,500 guineas (US$42,395).