Wonder Dean kept Japan’s remarkable UAE Derby streak alive and, in the process, reignited a familiar conversation — can this be the year the Kentucky Derby finally falls their way?
The Daisuke Takayanagi-trained colt delivered a performance built on resilience and stamina to land the Group 2 UAE Derby at Meydan, becoming the fifth consecutive Japanese winner of the race. Those who came before him — Crown Pride, Derma Sotogake, Forever Young, and Admire Daytona — all carried high hopes to Churchill Downs, yet the elusive first Kentucky Derby win for Japan remains out of reach.
On Saturday night, however, Wonder Dean suggested he might just be cut from a slightly different cloth.
Run at a searching gallop set by Six Speed, the race quickly became a test of endurance rather than speed. Bhupat Seemar’s colt ensured there would be no hiding place, carving out strong fractions that stretched the field and exposed any weaknesses. It was a bold move — but one that ultimately played into the hands of the winner.
Cristian Demuro had to be proactive early from a middle draw, urging Wonder Dean to hold a position. The colt couldn’t quite match the early pace and found himself in midfield, under pressure sooner than ideal. But that early effort proved decisive later.
Approaching the 800-meter mark, while others began to feel the strain, Wonder Dean started to build momentum. Still being ridden along, he moved into second with purpose as the race began to take shape.
Turning for home, it was effectively a two-horse contest. Six Speed still held a clear advantage, clinging to a three-length lead, while Pyromancer and the rest were already under heavy pressure behind them. But the writing was on the wall.
With every stride, Wonder Dean closed in.
Inside the final furlong, stamina told. Six Speed, brave throughout, began to tire, and Wonder Dean powered past to score by two and a half lengths, pulling well clear of the remainder. Pyromancer stayed on for third, but the gap — more than six lengths — told its own story.
For Takayanagi, it marked a breakthrough moment on the international stage.
“This is my first international success so I feel amazing,” he said. “I was truly impressed by his performance. I was confident beforehand as I thought the extra distance would definitely help, and that Meydan would suit him.
“I was expecting the leader Six Speed to stop a lot earlier than he did and so I was a bit worried, but I always thought he would get there.”
That belief now shifts to Churchill Downs. Having previously saddled T O Password to finish fifth in the Kentucky Derby, Takayanagi is already mapping out another attempt — this time with greater expectation.
“Yes, of course we will go,” he confirmed. “We will go directly to America from here.
“Wonder Dean is developing physically and mentally all the time and I am very excited about what he can do in the future.”
Demuro, who produced a composed yet determined ride, is equally eager for what lies ahead.
“I had a dream run around,” he said. “I was able to ride him how I wanted and although he didn’t have too much cover, he came there so easily and then really picked up well.
“If I am asked to ride in the Kentucky Derby it would be a first and a wonderful experience.”
Connections of runner-up Six Speed are also eyeing Louisville, despite the colt’s late fade.
“He just didn’t stay,” said Seemar. “He doesn’t help himself. He’s got so much speed but he needs to learn to relax. The plan is to go to Kentucky Derby next.”
Jockey Mickael Barzalona echoed that sentiment, noting the colt’s willingness but questioning his stamina at the trip.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Wonder Dean — the latest standard-bearer for Japan’s growing influence on the global stage.
The sequence continues. The dream remains. And once again, all roads lead to Churchill Downs.
Result – Group 2 UAE Derby
1st – Wonder Dean (JPN)
2nd – Six Speed (USA) – 2.42L
3rd – Pyromancer (JPN) – 8.42L
4th – Brotherly Love (GB) – 13.63L
5th – Devon Island (USA) – 22.68L
6th – Union Security (USA) – 25.21L
7th – Lino Padrino (USA) – 11.77L
8th – Salloom (USA) – 28.74L
9th – Rammaas (GB) – 37.63L
10th – Go Man (FR) – 40.42L
11th – Labwah (USA) – 93.68L
NR – Duke Of Immatin (USA)
Image DRC
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