Sugai Stable continues to shine in the POG (Picking Our Graduates) scene, having won last summer’s Sapporo 2-Year-Old Stakes with Shonan Gulf. Among their promising rookies for 2026:
Shonan Nadeshiko’s 24 (colt, sire Saturnalia, tentative name Shonan Baramon) is the first foal of his dam, who won the 2022 Kashiwa Kinen. Trainer Sugai noted, “He’s lighter than his mother. For a first foal, he’s quite intriguing.” He added, “His body is solid, and his movements are supple.”
Reve d’Etoile’s 24 (colt, sire Harbinger, tentative name Vancray) also drew praise: “His physique is strong and his stride is fluid.” Meanwhile, Anime Bio’s 24 (colt, sire Bricks and Mortar) was described as “temperamentally sound for his sire, and there’s plenty to look forward to.”
Among the fillies, Snow Whisper (sire New Year’s Day, dam Buchiko) from the white-hair family is generating excitement. She passed her gate test in early April and aims to debut in Hakodate like her half-sister Sodashi. Sugai revealed, “First, we want to try her on turf and see what surface suits her best.”
Sant’Angelo (sire Epiphaneia, dam Moana Anela), whose grandmother is the seven-time G1 winner Gentildonna, also earned high marks. “She moves lightly and beautifully. We expect her to challenge for the classics,” Sugai said.