2 Japan-bred colts begin their long trip to the Kentucky Derby

Two Japan colts began their 4,500-mile journey from Dubai to Louisville Wednesday ahead of their starts in Kentucky Derby 2023.

Kate Hunter, a liaison for horses shipping from Japan, posted updates on Twitter about the departure of Derma Sotogake and Continuar.

Derma Sotogake assured himself of a spot in the Churchill Downs gate on May 6 with a win in the Grade 2 UAE Derby. Continuar, third in the UAE Derby is the Japan road to the Kentucky Derby invitee after accumulating 40 points.

Another Japan colt is trying to take a different route to Churchill Downs. Mandarin Hero is pointed to Saturday's Santa Anita Derby (G1), in pursuit of enough qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The race offers 100-40-30-20-10 points to the top five finishers. He has raced on Japan's second-level circuit, going 4-for-4 last year and finishing a close second in his only start this year.

Mandarin Hero has been working at Santa Anita.

Only two Japan-bred colts have started in the Kentucky Derby. Crown Pride finished 13th last year, and Master Fencer was sixth in 2019.