Satono Reve settling in well as Royal Ascot support continues

Confidence is building that Satono Reve can become the first Japanese-trained winner at Royal Ascot.

The sprinter is in the care of Noriyuki Hori, who is a leading handler in his homeland and will have his first runner at the Royal meeting when his six-year-old lines up in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in the hands of top international jockey Joao Moreira.

Satono Reve had the assistance of Ryan Moore as he underwent his final preparations for his Ascot assignment on Newmarket’s July course on Wednesday morning, with Hori happy with how his contender has settled into his temporary surroundings in British racing’s heartland.

“After arriving from Hong Kong, Satono Reve had some time to recover before steadily building up his training,” said Hori.

“We completed his final gallop before the race – a five-furlong piece on the July course at Newmarket, ridden by Ryan Moore.

“Although it’s a different environment from what he’s used to, he’s been coming along well thanks to the warm support of James Horton, his team and everyone involved.”

There have been 10 previous attempts to find the Royal Ascot scoresheet by Japanese challengers, but Satono Reve brings top-class form to the table having enjoyed Grade One success at home and also twice chasing home Hong Kong sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising.

His odds for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes have tumbled in recent days, as the case for his challenge has become more evident, with Paddy Power making him a 6-1 chance for the final Group One of the meeting on Saturday week.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “There’s been a bit of interest for the Japanese raider and while it’s hard to equate winning a Grade One at Chukyo with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, the volume we’ve seen has forced us into evasive action and the Hori-trained runner is into 6-1.”