Among the 88 entries for the £2 million Betfred Derby at Epsom in June are two from Japan, Choreo Sequence and Akkan.
Japan’s place on the global thoroughbred stage is set in stone these days thanks to the exploits of the likes of Deep Impact, Heart’s Cry, Almond Eye and more recently Forever Young.
There has yet to be a Japanese winner of the Derby, though 2023 winner Auguste Rodin was sired by Deep Impact.
Choreo Sequence’s trainer, Yuta Sato, said: “The Derby, with its near 250-year history, is a truly magnificent race that I have long admired.
“Although we are still at the consideration stage, the owner (Hiroyuki Kawakatsu) has entrusted us with a horse of tremendous potential, and for that reason we have decided to enter him in the Derby at Epsom Downs.
“Choreo Sequence’s dam line traces back to Germany, and his pedigree includes the names of outstanding sires such as Sadler’s Wells and Monsun, both produced by Europe’s great horsemen.
“It is a great honour to be able to include the Derby as an option for such a well-bred and promising horse. At the same time, we will continue to assess his condition carefully as we consider the best path forward.”
