Contrail's Legacy: Go Into Sky Soars in Aoba Sho to Secure Derby Spot

On April 25, 2026, at the 33rd Aoba Sho (GII, 2400m turf) held at Tokyo Racecourse, the fourth-favorite Go Into Sky, ridden by legendary jockey Yutaka Take, claimed victory. This win marks the first graded stakes title for the horse, a member of the highly anticipated first crop of the Triple Crown champion Contrail.

The race saw Go Into Sky unleash a powerful late drive from the middle of the pack, comfortably defeating the first-favorite Black Olympia. The triumph took place on the 2400m Tokyo turf course, the same stage where his sire, Contrail, famously secured his Japanese Derby victory. By winning this trial race, Go Into Sky has earned a priority entry into the Japanese Derby coming up in May.

Social media erupted with joy following the victory of Contrail's progeny. While some critics had previously labeled the sire's offspring as "slow developers" or "late bloomers," the discourse has shifted toward their potential as stayers who thrive as distances increase. Some experts highlighted the stamina inherited through the lineage, citing Contrail’s full brother, Sunset Cloud, and the late-maturing tendencies passed down from the granddam, Wind in Her Hair.

Praise was also showered upon Yutaka Take for his masterful timing in getting the horse ready for the Derby qualifying window. Fans were particularly moved by the fact that Go Into Sky was purchased for a relatively modest price compared to other high-profile yearlings, proving once again that anything can happen in the world of horse racing.

The racing world is now watching with bated breath to see if this duo—the son of a Triple Crown legend and the "legend" himself, Yutaka Take—can finally break the infamous "Aoba Sho Jinx" on the grand stage of Fuchu.

The context

This article touches upon several key elements of Japanese horse racing culture. The Aoba Sho is a Grade II trial race specifically for three-year-old colts and fillies, serving as a primary gateway to the Japanese Derby (Tokyo Yushun). However, it is famous for the "Aoba Sho Jinx," as no winner of this trial has ever gone on to win the Derby itself.

The sire, Contrail, was the 2020 undefeated Triple Crown winner and is one of the most beloved horses in recent Japanese history. As this is his first crop of foals to reach racing age, there is immense pressure and scrutiny regarding their performance. Wind in Her Hair, mentioned as the granddam, is a legendary mare in her own right, most famous for being the mother of Deep Impact (Contrail's father). Finally, Yutaka Take is arguably the most famous jockey in Japan, often referred to as "The Legend" for his decades of dominance and record-breaking career.