I RECENTLY took a look at the family of the Japanese champion juvenile filly elect for 2025, so it is only right that I also review a candidate among the colts. This is Lovcen (World Premiere), and he won the 10-furlong Group 1 Hopeful Stakes on just his second outing.

Bred by Northern Farm, Lovcen showed an incredible turn of foot in the final furlong to win. Recent winners of the Hopeful Stakes include the Group 1 Dubai World Cup winner Victoire Pisa, Group 1 Japan Cup hero Epiphaneia, and three Japanese Derby winners, Rey De Oro, Contrail and this year’s winner Crois Du Nord. Contrail went on to land the Japanese Triple Crown.