Scents Blood collared close home in G3 Radio Nikkei Sho

Scents Blood ran another strong race in defeat as he was caught in the final strides by Excite Bio in the G3 Radio Nikkei Sho at Fukushima, Japan, on Sunday, 29 June.

The Takashi Saito-trained colt, who was beaten a neck in the Listed Shirayuri Stakes earlier in the month, broke alertly in the nine-furlong contest and soon settled in sixth on the inside rail as Tres Saphir led the 14 runners.

Having moved up a place entering the back straight, Scents Blood took closer order in fourth with half a mile to race before travelling strongly into third at the top of the straight.

Jockey Akira Sugawara spied a gap between the leading duo of Tres Saphir and Shonan Macbeth entering the final furlong and Scents Blood gamely quickened between the pair to hit the front half a furlong out.

Scents Blood briefly went clear but the Rulership homebred could not resist the late charge of Excite Bio, who swooped for a half-length success.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “It was a good run by Scents Blood and franks his second in Listed company last time out. You would be hopeful that he will get his nose in front in a Black-Type race soon. He got a good ride from Sugawara san and the combination bravely came through horses in the straight to lead but unfortunately got caught close home by a fellow three-year-old colt who was carrying 3kg less.

“He is the first foal out of Summer Scent, herself a G3 winner. We liked what we saw and bred the mare to Equinox this year.”