Crown Pride: Kentucky Derby contender profile
Crown Pride
April 28th, 2022
The fourth Japanese horse to ship for the Kentucky Derby, Crown Pride may be the country’s most formidable challenger to date. Japan's best previous result came via Master Fencer, elevated one spot to sixth via disqualification in 2019, but none were as accomplished as Crown Pride. He relished 1 3/16 miles in the UAE Derby (G2), rallying from midpack to win going away by 2 3/4 lengths, and he’s captured 3-of-4 career starts while racing exclusively on dirt. Class remains a valid concern for the Kentucky Derby, but Japan’s been on quite of a roll over the last six months, recording two wins in the Breeders’ Cup, four victories on the Saudi Cup card and five tallies on the Dubai World Cup program.
Some have noticed that Crown Pride’s training style is different than his #KyDerby competitors. @TwinSpires caught up with his assistant trainer and exercise rider, Masa Matsuda to talk about his preparation. pic.twitter.com/d0vePJt6aw
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 27, 2022
Crown Pride Speed Ratings
Top Brisnet Speed: N/A (international races)
Top Brisnet Late Pace: N/A (international races)
Crown Pride Pedigree
Sire: Reach the Crown
Crown Pride is by Reach the Crown, a grandson of 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence.
Dam: Emmy's Pride
Sunday Silence can also be found in Crown Pride’s dam side pedigree, which is favorable for dirt. The sophomore hails from the mare Emmy’s Pride, who won nine times on the main track, and she is a half-sister to dirt stakes-placed Emmy’s Paradise.
Crown Pride Connections
Owner: Shadai Farm
Japanese-bred Crown Pride will be the second Kentucky Derby starter for owner/breeder Shadai Farm, which finished 14th with Ski Captain in 1995. Teruya Yoshida is the proprietor of Shadai, which is best known in North America for importing the all-time great sire and 1989 Kentucky Derby winner Sunday Silence.
Trainer: Koichi Shintani
A rising trainer in Japan, Koichi Shintani will make his first Kentucky Derby appearance. He started his Japan Racing Association stable in 2020, and Crown Pride is his first graded winner.
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Japan’s leading jockey the last five years, Frenchman Christophe Lemaire is an accomplished rider worldwide who has won classic races on dirt and turf. Crown Pride will be his first Kentucky Derby mount.
Learn about all of the Kentucky Derby Contenders and the lead up to the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports here on TwinSpires.com
Crown Pride 4F :46.60/. Splits: 12.40, 24.20, 35.60/1:00. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/HCE1cYtL2v
— Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) May 4, 2022
