3 minute read

Derma Sotogake powered to UAE Derby glory and booked his Kentucky Derby ticket.

Jockey Christophe Lemaire had the rail draw in the contest and there was no hanging about on the Hidetaka Otonashi-trained horse.

The lightly-raced colt had three dirt wins between a mile and nine furlongs in his home country, including taking a Group One at Kawasaki in November.

A staying-on third in the Saudi Derby, Lemaire put his stamina to good use in a race that very few got into.

Derma Sotogake (4-1) travelled very sweetly on the front end, followed by Dura Erede, with Continuar tracking the first two and it remained that way throughout, as the Aidan O'Brien-trained Cairo failed to live with them when they kicked off the back stretch.

The winner left little doubt and Lemaire had barely moved a muscle with two furlongs to run, and his mount strode impressively clear for a five-and-a-half-length success.

Lemaire, who plies his trade in Japan, said the win was as comfortable as it looked.

"I had a nice cruise, and in the straight he reacted well," he said.

"I didn't know where the other horses were, but when I turned round we were clear and I was able to enjoy the crowd.

"I was happy with his condition and thought two corners would suit him, but it was important that from the inside I got a good start.

"I think the Japanese horses (three-year-olds) are really good. It means something when you win a Derby by such a big margin."

Otonashi said: "It went as we hoped, but I didn't think he was that strong. It was a different jockey, different ground and a first time here.

"He will go straight to Kentucky now, and Christophe will probably ride him."