UNLIKE most years, the line-up for the 3000 metre Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) went without the reigning Derby winner, Makahiki.

His connections opted for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe instead which, unfortunately, turned out to be fruitless.

Satano Diamond has been thoroughly consistent throughout the year and was placed third in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) before being beaten a nose by Makahiki in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby).

Ridden once again by Christophe Lemaire, the son of Deep Impact was sent off as the 5/4 favourite after an impressive prep-race win in the Group 2 Kobe Shimbun Hai in September.

The field was taken along at a frantic gallop for the first 1,500 meters, by two relative outsiders, and was stretched out with over 30 lengths from first to last before gradually taking closer order in the latter part of the back straight.

Pulled out wide by Lemaire, Satano Diamond effortlessly cruised up into the front rank with Satsuki Sho winner Dee Majesty following closely.

Still seemingly full of running, Satano Diamond breezed to the front before Lemaire asked for any extra effort.

Under nothing much more than a hands and heels ride, Satano Diamond crossed the line for his first Group 1 win by an emphatic two and a half lengths. Rainbow Line finished second and Air Spinel was third with Dee Majesty tiring late-on to finish fourth.

In what is now a seven race career, the son of Deep Impact has only suffered defeat twice, when being placed in both of the early season classics. In his short career so far he has amassed over €3,200,000 in prize money.

Winning owner, Hajime Satomi has been a registered JRA owner for 24 years. This win marks his first Group 1 title and all of his horses run with the prefix of ‘Satano’.

Satomi’s good fortune continued onto the following weekend’s racing, he recorded a one-two in the Group 2 Mainichi Broadcast Swan Stakes with Satano Aladdin and Satano Lupin, both also by Deep Impact.