Danon Decile Wins Tenno Sho, Japan Cup Looms

Danon Decile (JPN) overcame the outside draw and rolled past a quality field in the stretch run to upset the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1) Nov. 1 at Tokyo Racecourse. Only hours after Forever Young (JPN) failed in his effort to repeat in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland, defending champion Masquerade Ball (JPN), star filly Regaleira (JPN) and four-time grade 1 winner and race favorite Croix du Nord (JPN) were among those left scattered in Danon Decile's wake in the Tenno Sho. The effort was all the more remarkable as the 2,000-meter configuration of the Tokyo turf course heavily favors horses drawn inside. Danon Decile started from the No. 17 gate, widest of all. With Keita Tosaki in the irons, the 5-year-old son of Epiphaneia (JPN) was in no hurry to join a moderate early pace. Stationed second-to-last down the backstretch and around the sweeping stretch turn, Danon Decile swung out toward the center of the course for the stretch run and quickly blew by rivals. He was challenging long shot Nebra Disk (JPN) for the lead with 200 meters to go and finally separated from that rival only some 50 meters from the finish. The final margin was 2 1/2 lengths with Nebra Disk holding second. Regaleira was third, Croix du Nord fifth, and Masquerade Ball 11th. Danon Decile was clocked in 1:56.7 over firm going. Tosaki may have jinxed himself with his pre-draw comments. "What kind of run he'll have will depend largely on the draw. He can race from any position, though I wouldn't want to be drawn too far out." Tosaki said. In his post-race analysis, he admitted plans were adjusted. "To be honest, the widest draw took us by surprise and we were forced to change tactics," the rider said. "But today, the most important factor was to keep him in good rhythm, which he did, fortunately. He responded a bit earlier than I hoped but he stayed on to the wire and I'm truly happy that he was able to show his true ability at last." At last, indeed. Danon Decile came into the race after four straight third-place finishes—the Japan Cup (G1), the Arima Kinen (G1), the Osaka Hai (G1) and the Takarazuka Kinen (G1). His top-level wins came in the 2024 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) and the 2025 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1). That result was a second straight major disappointment for Masquerade Ball's connections, following a seventh-place finish in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) in England July 25. The 4-year-old Duramente (JPN) colt finished second, just a neck behind Calandagan (IRE), in last year's Japan Cup. With Calandagan set to return for this year's Japan Cup, hopes were high for a rematch. Danon Decile may have to take up the baton against Calandagan. He has the credentials, as Calandagan finished second in his Sheema Classic win and the Japan Cup effort was worthy. Danon Decile was bred by Shadai Farm, out of the Congrats mare Sequoia Queen. Sequoia Queen, byForestry out of the Dynaformer mare Barefoot Dyana, posted two wins from three starts for trainer Steve Asmussen in New York in 2007. He races for Danox Co. and trainer Shogo Yasuda.