Jockey Yuga Kawada's daring early maneuver proved to be the winning strategy in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) on December 17 at Hanshin Racecourse. Jantar Mantar maintained his unbeaten record, securing a 1 1/4-length victory.

Jantar Mantar, sired by Palace Malice, took position in Gate No. 3 along the backstretch at Hanshin. Among the field of 17 horses, including three other undefeated 2-year-olds, Jantar Mantar was the favored contender. Kawada capitalized on the advantageous draw, executing a clean start and securing a position along the rail in the middle of the field.

Identified as Jantar Mantar's primary competitor, Strauss swiftly maneuvered from the outermost stall, with jockey Tom Marquand opting to propel him into an early lead.

While navigating the expansive outer loop of the turf course, Kawada closed in on Jantar Mantar and noticed a significant gap between the front runners—an opportunity too enticing to overlook. Seizing the moment, he surged into the lead with approximately 300 meters remaining in the 1,600-meter (about 1 mile) race, with optimism for a favorable outcome.

Jantar Mantar lived up to expectations, fending off a strong challenge from the previously undefeated Ecoro Walz to secure the victory. Tagano Elpida, a filly by Kizuna, experienced her first loss, concluding the race in third place, while Strauss, after an early push, dropped to the 10th position.

Ranked second in the Japanese jockey standings, just behind Christophe Lemaire, Kawada admitted that he was well aware of the gamble he was taking with the early move.

"I urged him to go a bit earlier than planned as it didn't seem like we were going to get a clear path," Kawada said.

Under the guidance of trainer Tomokazu Takano and owned by Shadai Race Horse, Jantar Mantar has swiftly ascended the ranks of Japanese 2-year-olds. Making his debut on October 8 at Kyoto Racecourse in a newcomer event covering 1,800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles), he faced an immediate challenge in the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes (G2) on November 11 at Kyoto.

"He has a good character and he's a highly capable horse," Kawada said. "So I think he will continue to grow and I look forward to his future races."

Shadai Farm bred Jantar Mantar, but his lineage boasts an all-American pedigree. His mother, India Mantuana, is sired by Wilburn, and his father is a descendant of Curlin.

The win brought particularly positive tidings for Darley in Japan, as they had recently disclosed the acquisition of Palace Malice, the 2013 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner. Starting from the 2024 season, Palace Malice is set to stand in Japan. Previously, he stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, where he produced Structor, the 2019 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner, from his initial crop.

Jantar Mantar has ascended to the pinnacle of his sire's offspring rankings and will uphold the reputation associated with Palace Malice as he embarks on his 3-year-old season.

Takano acknowledged the potential well ahead of the Futurity.

"I hope things go well for him and that he can pull off another win to boost his profile again," the trainer said.

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