Mile star Jantar Mantar regains luster in BC WAYI Yasuda Kinen

Shadai’s homebred champion Jantar Mantar rediscovered his old brilliance in Sunday’s $2.4 million Yasuda Kinen (G1) at Tokyo, a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). 

The son of Palace Malice had flashed star quality as Japan’s champion two-year-old colt of 2023, and when dominating the 2024 NHK Mile Cup (G1) over this course and distance. But his only ensuing start was a disappointing 13th of 14 in the Hong Kong Mile (G1) last December, and he was conceding a recency edge to his Yasuda Kinen rivals.

Trainer Tomokazu Takano sounded an encouraging note about the colt’s condition ahead of his comeback, believing that Jantar Mantar was ready to fire. Fans took heed and sent him off as the 3.30-1 second choice. 

Favoritism went to Japan’s reigning champion miler, Soul Rush, who upset Hong Kong supremo Romantic Warrior in the Dubai Turf (G1) on World Cup night, April 5. Yet Soul Rush had been beaten in the past three runnings of the Yasuda Kinen, and once again the prestigious race eluded him.

As the sprinter Mad Cool and Win Marvel sparred up front, Jantar Mantar settled into third. But he became keyed up by the advance of Long Run on his outside, and regular rider Yuga Kawada had to try to keep a lid on him.

Straightening for home, Jantar Mantar was traveling on the bridle while Kawada waited as long as possible to let him go. The dark bay always had the measure of the leaders, and he glided to the front inside the final furlong. Jantar Mantar crossed the wire a handy 1 1/2-length winner in 1:32.7 on the good-to-firm course.

Next came a trio of closers. Gaia Force got up for second, collaring third-placer Soul Rush by a neck, with Brede Weg another neck away in fourth. Win Marvel checked in fifth, but held on better than pace foe Mad Cool (10th).

Longshot Champagne Color, who lost many lengths by breaking tardily, uncorked the fastest final 600 meters (about three furlongs) in :33.6 to take sixth. Ecoro Waltz, Sakura Toujours, Water Licht, Mad Cool, Jun Blossom, Sixpence, Long Run, Daddy’s Vivid, Red Mon Reve, Gratias, Trovatore, and Ho O Reality rounded out the order of finish.

Kawada admitted that he had some concern about how much Jantar Mantar might find down the lane, given his unhelpful keenness. 

“The colt broke well and was in a good position in third to start, but then got a little over-excited as horses came from behind, so I got a little worried,” Kawada said. “The colt just barely managed to contain himself as much as he could after that, and I was still in doubt as to how he would respond at the stretch.

“But considering the circumstances, he really put in a good performance in the end and really exceeded my expectations as to how strong he is. He was unable to race to his standard at all last time out, but I’m glad that he was able to show his true form today.”

Jantar Mantar sports a mark of 8-5-1-1. Unbeaten at two, he scored in the Daily Hai Nisai (G2) at Kyoto and clinched the divisional championship in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) at Hanshin. Jantar Mantar lost his first two sophomore starts going farther, placing second in the Kyodo Tsushin Hai (G3) and finishing a close third in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (G1) in then stakes-record time. He thrived when reverting in trip for the NHK Mile Cup, and after his Hong Kong debacle, proved that he was still capable of delivering at the highest level.

“I knew he would become a potential miler when he won the Asahi Hai as a two-year-old and was certain he was the best miler in Japan when taking the NHK Mile Cup title,” Kawada said. “He was unable to meet expectation in his start after that, but today, he’s justified his talent, so I’m happy for that.”

While it remains to be seen if Jantar Mantar will use his Breeders’ Cup Challenge perk at Del Mar, his NHK Mile Cup form has been advertised on the international stage. Champion filly Ascoli Piceno, who was a badly hampered second in the NHK Mile Cup, won the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2) on Saudi Cup Day. She earned her own Breeders’ Cup ticket in the May 4 Victoria Mile (G1) back at Tokyo. 

Jantar Mantar’s dam, India Mantuana, scored her signature win in the 2018 Red Carpet H. (G3) at Del Mar. She’s by the Bernardini stallion Wilburn, so Jantar Mantar is yet another illustration of the cross of Curlin (in this case, via his son Palace Malice) over an A.P. Indy-line mare.