FUNABASHI, Chiba Pref. -- The majority of fans saw no reason to back the colt in the No. 2 spot of Sunday's Satsukisho, Japan's equivalent of the 2,000 Guineas and the first leg of its triple crown. But no reason was all the reason, for the colt by that very name upset the competition for a stunning length-and-three-quarters record win and an 11,590 payoff on a 100 wager.
The 15th-pick No Reason, not yet past his third birthday and with only three races behind him, moved to the front of the field of 18 at the top of the stretch. Looking strong under English rider Brett Doyle, the Brian's Time-sired colt widened his lead, holding Daitaku Flag and Tiger Cafe off confidently.
The crowd of over 91,000 erupted with a roar as Tanino Gimlet made his bid on the outside, but the favorite's charge only took him into a three-way battle for second that ended with ninth pick Tiger Cafe, under Italian jock Mirco Demuro, holding him off by a nose for the second-place spot.