Amante Bianco wins first Japan prep for 2024 Kentucky Derby
Amante Bianco has taken the early lead on the Japan road to the Kentucky Derby, finishing sharply to win the Cattleya Stakes on Saturday morning at Tokyo. The win earned him 10 points toward an entry in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Through the early stages Amante Bianco raced a bit keenly midpack. More Than Once, the lone filly in the race, set the pace while being prompted by David Tesoro. Into the lane, More Than Once opened up but never looked home free. 163-1 long shot George Tesoro gradually cut into the leader's advantage, while Amante Bianco kicked on with his best inside the furlong mark.
Amante Bianco finished best off all, hitting the wire an increasing 3/4 length over George Tesoro. Unquenchable, who finished well but too late on the outside, was another neck back in third. It was another 1/2 length back to Star Turn, who completed the superfecta while outkicked between horses. More Than Once held for fifth, another 1 1/4 lengths back. Each of the top five finishers earned Japan road to the Kentucky Derby points, apportioned 10-5-3-2-1.
The Cattleya covers 1600 meters, or about a mile. Under jockey Christophe Lemaire, Amante Bianco finished in 1:37.5 over dirt rated standard. At 9-2, the Keisuke Miyata trainee was the third betting choice in the field of 16.
Rata Forest, the 4-1 favorite, crossed the wire seventh. Bushin, a full brother to 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, finished last as the 169-1 longest shot in the field.
Amante Bianco is a 2-year-old white colt by Henny Hughes out of the Kurofune mare Yukichan. Yukichan, also a registered white, was a three-time listed stakes winner. Yukichan is a half sister to Buchiko, a stakes-winning fan favorite who went on to produce three-time Grade 1 winner Sodashi. Yukichan is also the second dam of Meikei Yell, a six-time graded-stakes winner who most recently finished ninth behind Goodnight Olive in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
Amante Bianco is owned by Silk Racing Co., the same owners who send out Equinox in Sunday's Japan Cup (G1).
