Reigning Japanese champion dirt horse, Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid), made a triumphant return to the track with a decisive two-length victory in the Listed Sakitama Hai at Urawa Racetrack, just north of Tokyo. This was Lemon Pop's first race since a disappointing performance in the G1 Saudi Cup in February.
Starting as the clear favourite at odds of 1-5, Lemon Pop was acquired as a weanling for $70,000 at Keeneland in November. He started well from barrier seven, trailing behind the early leader, Alain Barows (Jpn) (Henny Hughes), in the 1400-metre race. Mid-race, Lemon Pop surged into the lead, maintaining his position to finish strongly, two lengths ahead of defending champion Igniter (Jpn) (Espoir City {Jpn}). Shamal (Jpn) (Smart Falcon {Jpn}) finished another half-length behind in third place.
Winning jockey Ryusei Sakai commented on Lemon Pop's performance, saying, “If he can get off to an even start, then he has the upper hand. I thought it would be best if he sat second, but I wasn't too concerned about the position. He handled the tight, 1400m course without any problems.”
Lemon Pop's previous victories include the G1 February Stakes and the G1 Mile Championship Nambu Hai, which he won by 10 lengths. Despite a less successful run in the G1 Champions Cup and the Saudi Cup, his recent win was significant for the Godolphin Japan team. Godolphin Japan President Harry Sweeney dedicated the victory to Kaz Nabeta, a valued team member who recently passed away.
Sweeney expressed caution about future plans, noting that while Lemon Pop may race once or twice more this year, his long-term role will be as part of their stallion roster. There's a possibility he might defend his title in the Mile Championship Nambu Hai in October, though participation in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile is uncertain.
Lemon Pop is one of four winners from his dam, Unreachable, whose lineage includes the notable Danehill. Unreachable was acquired for $50,000 and is also the dam of a promising 2-year-old colt by Maclean's Music, who sold for $310,000 at Keeneland in September and was bid back at €340,000 at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale.
Overall, Lemon Pop’s performance in the Sakitama Hai marks a poignant comeback and a promising prelude to his future endeavours, both on the track and as a stallion.