In a remarkable return to the track after an impressive maiden victory over 1700 meters (about a mile and a sixteenth) at Sapporo Racecourse last July, Natural Rise (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) showcased his talent by sweeping widest into the long stretch at Tokyo, ultimately holding off a strong final push from Clay King (Jpn) (Nadal) to clinch victory in Saturday’s Cattleya Stakes (allowance). This race is the first of four that form the prestigious Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, and as a result of his triumph, Natural Rise has earned 10 valuable Kentucky Derby points.
After being sent off as the 13-5 second favorite, just behind the impressive debut winner Snappy Dresser (Union Rags) at 3-2, Natural Rise faced a slow start from gate 12. He quickly demonstrated his desire to be closer to the pace, tugging relentlessly at the reins while maintaining a clear path as he made his way toward the turn. Once on the bend and still firmly restrained, the talented colt was unleashed and surged dramatically, making ominous headway six or seven deep as they entered the straight.
With a sharp acceleration that demonstrated his impressive potential, Natural Rise surged to the lead as he approached the final 400 meters. He opened up a commanding advantage, crossing the finish line first in a solid time that preserves his perfect record, now standing at two wins from two races. Clay King, who was the third choice in the betting, positioned himself worse than midfield for the majority of the race, but once he found clearance, he rallied strongly to secure second place, finishing ahead of T O Elvis (Volatile). Meanwhile, Snappy Dresser struggled to find his stride early on, mired in heavy traffic, but powered home impressively to finish a commendable fourth.
Natural Rise’s lineage is noteworthy; he is sired by Kizuna, a renowned champion in Japanese racing circles, who notably won the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in 2013 and garnered the title of that year’s champion 3-year-old colt. While Kizuna primarily raced on turf, he has successfully transitioned into a promising sire, with offspring such as G2 Godolphin Mile winner Bathrat Leon (Jpn) and multiple stakes winners like Teleos Bell (Jpn) and Alice Verite (Jpn). Interestingly, Kizuna’s half-brother Sunday Break (Jpn) (Forty Niner) carved out a name for himself as well, winning the 2002 GII Peter Pan Stakes and earning third-place finishes in that same year’s GI Wood Memorial Stakes and GI Belmont Stakes under the guidance of trainer Neil Drysdale.
Natural Rise is the first winner to emerge from his dam, Lady Madonna (Jpn), who was purchased while in utero by Narvick International for a substantial $285,000 at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton November Sale, carrying the filly that would become Lady Madonna. His third dam, Rebridled Dreams (Unbridled’s Song), boasts an impressive pedigree, having produced numerous graded stakes winners, including MGISW Carpe Diem (Giant’s Causeway) and MGSW/GISP Farrell (Malibu Moon). Currently, Lady Madonna has a yearling filly by Henny Hughes and a weanling filly by Le Vent Se Leve (Jpn).
Saturday’s Results:
CATTLEYA STAKES (Alw), ¥30,400,000 ($196,414), Tokyo, 11-23, 2yo, 1600m, 1:36.4, gd.
1–NATURAL RISE (JPN), 123, c, 2, Kizuna (Jpn)–Lady Madonna (Jpn), by Distorted Humor. (¥33,000,000 Wlg ’22 JRHAJUL). O-Hiroyuki Yoshioka; B-Grand Stud; T-Keizo Ito; J-Takeshi Yokoyama; ¥16,000,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $148,141.
2–Clay King (Jpn), 123, c, 2, Nadal–Queen Amaranthus (Jpn), by King Kamehameha (Jpn). O-Silk Racing Co Ltd; B-Tenei Horse Park Ltd; T-Eiji Nakadate; J-Christophe Lemaire; ¥6,400,000.
3–T O Elvis, 123, c, 2, Volatile–Stopshoppingdebbie, by Curlin. O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Jeff & Melissa Prunzik (KY); T-Daisuke Takayanagi; J-Katsuma Sameshima; ¥4,000,000.
Margins: 3/4, 1 3/4, 2. Odds: 2.60, 5.20, 15.20.
How does Natural Rise’s victory at the Cattleya Stakes influence his prospects for the Kentucky Derby?
**Interview with Japan Racing Expert, Hiroshi Tanaka, on Natural Rise’s Victory at the Cattleya Stakes**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hiroshi. We’ve just witnessed an exciting performance from Natural Rise at the Cattleya Stakes. What are your impressions of his race?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. Natural Rise showed incredible skill and determination during the race. Given that he started from gate 12 and faced some initial challenges, his ability to quickly find his rhythm speaks to his resilience. He really displayed a remarkable turn of foot in the final stretch, which is promising for his future races.
**Interviewer:** Yes, he certainly made a bold move late in the race. How significant is this win, considering it’s part of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** This victory is crucial for Natural Rise as it not only cements his reputation but also adds 10 important Kentucky Derby points to his record. The Cattleya Stakes is the first of four races in this series, so starting off on the right foot is essential for any horse aspiring to compete in such a prestigious event.
**Interviewer:** He was sent off as the second favorite behind Snappy Dresser—did that surprise you?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Not really. While Snappy Dresser had a strong debut, Natural Rise’s pedigree and impressive maiden victory at Sapporo set expectations high. With Kizuna as his sire, we know he has exceptional lineage. Nevertheless, it was crucial for him to prove himself in this competitive field, which he did exceptionally well.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of lineage, can you elaborate on Kizuna’s impact on Natural Rise’s performance and potential?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Kizuna is a significant name in Japanese racing, having won the G1 Tokyo Yushun and being recognized as the champion 3-year-old colt in 2013. He has transitioned effectively into a successful sire, producing multiple stakes winners. Natural Rise’s genetic background provides him with not just speed but also stamina, essential for longer races. His impressive performance so far suggests that he could follow in his sire’s footsteps and achieve great things.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what did you think of the other competitors, particularly Clay King and Snappy Dresser?
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** Clay King showed great potential with his strong finish to secure second place. He was positioned poorly for most of the race but rallied well when given a chance. Snappy Dresser’s fourth-place finish was commendable, but he did get stuck in traffic, which hindered his chances. I believe both horses will continue to develop and be strong contenders in future races.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Hiroshi! It’s exciting to see the potential of these young horses as they progress on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
**Hiroshi Tanaka:** My pleasure! It will be interesting to follow their journeys. Racing fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.