Snitzel’s new Group performer in Japan

While Snitzel continues his rise to major sire status in Australia, his current crop of Japanese juveniles are steadily building a strong record,

Snitzel has shuttled twice to Japan’s Shadai Farm and already ten winners have emerged from the 56 named foals in his second crop, foaled in 2012. 

Best of them so far is the smart filly Leopardina who just missed becoming Snitzel’s 25th stakeswinner in the Kokura Nisai S. 1200m G3, worth more than $A600,000, on 7 September.

Leopardina earned favouritism for the race after winning her first two starts, at Hanshin in June, and Kokura last month for owner U. Carrot Farm and trainer Yasuki Takahashi.

Ridden by Yutaka Take, Leopardina jumped well and settled third in the running. She lost some ground coming round the turn, but responded generously when asked to lift, hit the front and had the race won until longshot Omi Alice landed from the clouds to claim it by a nose. Both fillies recorded a time of 1:08.4.

View the Kokura Nisai S. G3 here – Leopardina is No. 16 with the pink cap.

Leopardina was bred by Northern Farm from Biondo Pantera, a daughter of Seeking the Gold and US stakeswinner Lapuma. She is one of four stakes performers by Snitzel from mares by sons of Mr. Prospector, a group headed by Melbourne stakeswinner Zelsnitz.

Snitzel is now 8th on the Japan 2YO Sires’ list with prizemoney of ¥80.1 million (~$A820,000).