Well-related Salios back on track with second success in Mainichi Okan

The well-bred Salios, second to Triple Crown winner Contrail in the Tokyo Yushun and the Satsuki Sho of 2020, showed plenty of grit to win his fourth Graded contest in the Mainichi Okan in Tokyo.

Bred by Northern Farm and a close relation to Grade 2 Fuchu Himba Stakes winner and Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup second Salacia, the son of Heart's Cry is out of 2012 German Oaks heroine Salomina, a daughter of Lomitas and full-sister to German stakes scorer Salut.

Salios is a Grade 1 winner himself, he struck in the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes in 2019 before his two placings behind Contrail the following spring. The five-year-old was adding to his winnings for the first time in two years, following on from his success in the Mainichi Okan of 2020.

The talented colt was making it a fifth success from 14 starts for trainer Noriyuki Hori and Silk Racing Co, coming home half a length in front of favourite Justin Cafe with Danon The Kid a further three-quarters of a length behind in third.

Winning rider Kohei Matsuyama said: "Hori told me to ride with confidence and it was apparent how good he felt during the race.

"His break was good but he's a horse with lots of ability so I didn't pay attention to his position, just his rhythm. His response was so good at the top of the home straight, I could emerge out of the pack.

He continued: "He showed a great attitude and we got a good result today. I think he is a horse who has more to give."

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