Museum Mile, Croix du Nord, and Masquerade Ball were the first three finishers of the Grade 1 Japanese 2000 Guineas in April, and will have a rematch in Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse.
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While they each stand an excellent chance to win the $4.32 million Japanese Derby at 1 1/2 miles, there is another respected contender in the rich race in the undefeated Fandom.
Fandom, who has won three times, will have his first start in a Grade 1 after winning the Grade 3 Mainichi Hai at 1 1/8 miles at Hansin on March 29, the longest race of his career.
Fandom is a closer who will need a sharp rally to catch a stalker such as Croix du Nord. Masquerade Ball and Museum Mile frequently run from off the pace.
In the Japanese 2000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles, Museum Mile finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of Croix du Nord who was a neck in front of Masquerade Ball. Croix du Nord led in the stretch, but could not hold off Museum Mile who finished in stakes record time of 1:57.
The second-place finish was Croix du Nord’s first loss in his fourth start and was his 2025 debut. In three appearances last year, Croix du Nord won at 1 1/8 miles and 1 1/4 miles. He was named champion 2-year-old male on the strength of his win in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at 1 1/4 miles last December.
Masquerade Ball was 11th of 18 in the Hopeful Stakes, but won his 3-year-old debut in a Grade 3 race at 1 1/8 miles at Tokyo in February.
The Japanese Derby, which has a post time of 2:40 a.m. Eastern on Sunday or 11:40 p.m. Pacific on Saturday, drew a field of 18, including Giovanni and Satono Shining, who were fourth and fifth in the Japanese 2000 Guineas.
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