Cruzeiro do Sul sparkles in Listed Junior Cup

Cruzeiro do Sul set himself up for some significant three-year-old targets with a commanding victory in the Listed Junior Cup at Nakayama, Japan, on Thursday, 5 January.

The Yoshitada Takahashi-trained colt dictated throughout the mile contest, with jockey Mirco Demuro soon establishing a three-quarter length advantage.

Cruzeiro do Sul stretched the field turning in and readily opened up daylight over his 12 rivals before coasting home for an easy four-length success.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “What a brilliant way to start 2023 by winning the first Black-Type race of the year! Cruzeiro do Sul was amazing and could not have been more impressive. He will now be aimed at the G1 NHK Mile but may run one more time beforehand.

“It is also a huge result for his sire Fine Needle, who of course carried the royal blue silks in Japan to be crowned Champion Sprinter/Miler. Cruzeiro do Sul is from his first crop and it is a very significant result as we approach the breeding season.”