Yutaka Take guided the Takashi Saito-trained Lauda Sion to a 2-length win in Saturday’s Listed Crocus Stakes (1400m) at Tokyo to credit the Group 1 ATC George Ryder Stakes and Group 1 Yasuda Kinen winner Real Impact with his first stakes-winner.
Making his seasonal debut Lauda Sion led at every call and when he looked likely to be challenged at the 200 metres he found another gear and was coming away again on the line.
Lauda Sion enjoyed a fruitful juvenile campaign winning a Newcomers race at Hanshin on a firm track and over 1400 metres on a heavy track at Kyoto and finished third in the Group III Kokura Nisai Stakes. He rounded out his juvenile year with a midfield finish in the Group 1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1600m) at Hanshin won by the undefeated Heart’s Cry colt Salios.
Lauda Sion a half-brother to Ambrosio who finished second in the Crocus Stakes two years ago. He is the third winner from four foals out of the winning Songandaprayer (USA) mare Antiphona(USA) who visited Real Steel (JPN) last year.
Real Steel (JPN) took the place of Real Impact (JPN) on the Arrowfield roster last spring who was rested after three seasons of shuttling.
Real Impact (JPN) has his second crop of yearlings on offer in Australia this year.
