FUNABASHI, Chiba Pref. -- There was a strong feeling of deja vu at Nakayama Racecourse Sunday as longshot Daiwa Major crossed the line a winner in the 64th running of the Satsukisho, the first leg of Japan's Triple Crown series.
There was also a decidedly international flavor to the winner's circle and both elements came compliments of the jock, Italy's 25-year-old Mirco Demuro, who succeeded in bringing home the winner of the classic race for the second year in a row.
Race favorite Cosmo Bulk finished second, with Meisho Bowler and Cosmo Sunbeam in third and fourth place, respectively. Daiwa Major's winning time over firm turf was 1 minute, 58.6 seconds.