Late chance for European stallions in Sunday's Asahi Hai Futurity

Three European-based sires have a late opportunity to claim a top-level juvenile prize with Frankel, Invincible Spirit and Gleneagles all represented in Sunday's Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at Hanshin.

The last two named are responsible for Godolphin's runners, having both been bought by its Japanese representative, Paca Paca Farm's Harry Sweeney at the 2018 Tattersalls December Foal Sale.

Gleneagles colt Shock Action looks the leading chance of the pair in what is a wide-open 16-runner contest. From an Italian family, he was bought through Castletown Stud for 65,000gns and has won two of his three starts including the Grade 3 Niigata Nisai Stakes. He would be significantly the biggest success for his Coolmore-based sire.

His trainer Ryuji Okubo said: "It’s important that he knows when to switch on and off. He can be a little restless in the gate, but I don’t see it as a big problem. Racing right-handed should be fine, and as he’s developing, it’ll be interesting to see what he can do this time."

Invincible Spirit's Blue Spirit, who is with Mitsumasa Nakauchida, cost 200,000gns and is from the family of Irish Guineas winner Roderic O'Connor. Bred by Deerpark Stud and the Irish National Stud, he has won both starts, including an event over seven furlongs at this track last month.

Yuya Katayama, the assistant trainer, said: "Things have gone as expected with him. His weight’s about 490kg, so he hasn’t lost weight and he’s in good condition.

"He’s a powerful horse and the shorter distances look good for him. He doesn’t pull, and I think he should be able to perform well in a race over 1,600 metres."

Frankel's son, Grenadier Guards, is Japanese bred and is the first foal of 2015 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Wavell Avenue. He won a Hanshin maiden at the third attempt.

The trio could have their work cut out against a couple of other hot prospects. Bago's Stella Veloce looked smart in a Grade 3 at Tokyo while Deep Impact colt Red Belle Aube won a Grade 2 over course and distance and is the local ante-post favourite.

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