In short, it was fortunate that Lani was owned by Koji Maeda.Treve wrote: I found an older article from before the UAE Derby, where the connections were already uncertain back then about the KY Derby because in their minds it is a very difficult race.
I guess that explains it but still when you have that quality of horse...
Koji Maeda is a longtem owner / breeder who knows perfectly how prestigious the Kentucky Derby is.
It's unlucky that Epicharis is not owned by a single owner like Koji Maeda but by a club -- ''Carrot Club''.
I'm not an expert on this kind of issue, but I suspect that the representative of the club should take all of the club members needs into to consideration.
Then, sigh, MONEY can talk...
Dubai offered huge incentives as usual.
NYRA is set to give a $1 million bonus to any Japan-based thoroughbred who competes in and wins the Belmont Stakes this year, too.