In a bustling day of Thoroughbred racing developments, standout juvenile performances dominate the headlines as Pyromancer storms onto the 2026 Kentucky Derby trail with a gritty victory in Japan’s Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, while Golden Tempo unleashes a powerful late rally to earn TDN Rising Star status at Fair Grounds. Chip Honcho’s resilient win in the Gun Runner Stakes adds momentum to the early Derby picture, and anticipation builds for Japan’s upcoming Hopeful Stakes featuring promising colts like Justin Vista.
Pyromancer Joins Elite Kentucky Derby Contenders
Godolphin’s Pyromancer, carrying the iconic royal blue silks, delivered a neck victory in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse, securing his spot on the Road to the Kentucky Derby via the Japan path. Tracking the pace in second before powering home over 1,600 meters in 1:44.20, the colt turned back challengers in a race previously won by Derby participants Forever Young and Derma Sotogake. With eyes now on the March 28 UAE Derby in Dubai, Pyromancer tops the latest Rookie Rankings alongside stars like Ted Noffey and Paladin, signaling his intent to chase Derby glory.
Golden Tempo Earns TDN Rising Star Honors
Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Golden Tempo, a 2-year-old son of Curlin, overcame a troubled start in a Fair Grounds maiden to become the latest TDN Rising Star. Pinched back at the gate, the colt settled at the rear before unleashing a explosive wide rally down the six-furlong stretch, covering his final quarter in a sharp :23.57 to win going away. Well-backed at 14-5 under Jose Ortiz, Golden Tempo’s powerful finishing kick marks him as a juvenile to watch on the national stage.
Chip Honcho Prevails in Gun Runner Stakes
Chip Honcho showcased tenacity in the 1 1/16-mile Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds, pressing the pace before fading momentarily in upper stretch, only to re-rally gamely down the long homestretch for a three-quarter-length victory. Clocking 1:44.76, the colt earned points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, though his trainer notes room for improvement in speed. Emerging as a progressive contender, Chip Honcho bolsters the depth of early 3-year-old stakes winners eyeing Churchill Downs.
Hopeful Stakes Preview: Japan’s Juvenile Stars Gear Up
Japan Racing Association’s Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes at Nakayama Racecourse looms large on December 27, spotlighting 19 nominated 2-year-old colts over 2,000 meters. Undefeated Justin Vista, fresh off a Grade 3 Kyoto Nisai Stakes win with dazzling late speed, headlines alongside Anduril, victor of the Ivy Stakes, and consistent runners like Shonan Gulf and Gene King. Offering a JPY70 million first prize, the race promises to identify classic-bound talents on the undulating track.
