Danon Bourbon stays perfect in Fukuryu, final leg of Japan Road

Mar 28, 2026 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Kentucky-bred Danon Bourbon was much the best in the Fukuryu at Nakayama (Photo by Tomoya Moriuchi/Horsephotos.com)

Triple Crown-nominated Danon Bourbon extended his record to a perfect 3-for-3 in Saturday’s Fukuryu S. at Nakayama, winning 40 points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.

The 1.10-1 favorite rolled past Don Erectus, who took the runner-up spot for the third time in a Japan Road event. Adding 20 points to his ledger, Don Erectus now also has 40 points.

Although Don Erectus has more career earnings, the tiebreak to determine the Japan Road winner, he was not an early Triple Crown nominee. His connections, owner Koichi Yamada and trainer Noboru Takagi, could have made him eligible by the late deadline. But according to the latest update from Churchill Downs, they have ruled out that option.

Therefore Kentucky-bred Danon Bourbon has earned the Japan Road invitation. Campaigned by Danox Co. Ltd., whose horses are named with the “Danon” prefix, he is trained by Manabu Ikezoe.

Updated Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard following the Saturday, March 28 Fukuryu and UAE Derby: https://t.co/vjWg38Dh4L

— Kentucky Derby Media (@DerbyMedia) March 28, 2026

Danon Bourbon was favored in light of two dominating performances at Kyoto, a 10-length romp in a newcomers’ race last October and a five-length allowance victory in his Feb. 15 return. As he did last time, jockey Atsuya Nishimura worked out a stalking trip in the Fukuryu.

Don Erectus, in contrast, changed tactics. Instead of settling off the pace, he went to the early lead, and the gambit nearly worked. After carving out fractions of :23.4 and :48.3 on the muddy track, Don Erectus maintained his momentum into the stretch.

But Danon Bourbon, who was always within close striking range, kicked on strongly. By turning in the fastest final 600 meters (about three furlongs) in :37.3, he drove 3 1/2 lengths clear. His final time for about 1 1/8 miles, 1:50.9, is easily the best in the Fukuryu for at least the past two decades, with data going back to 2003 on umanity.jp.

中山10R伏竜ステークスは #ダノンバーボン が3馬身半差の完勝🏇

これでデビューから3戦3勝の無敗となりました✨ pic.twitter.com/IXXbyOtd8Z

— JRA公式 (@JRA_Special) March 28, 2026

Don Erectus just held second by a neck from the closing Charlie (12 points). Next came Itterasshai (eight points for a total of 17), Sunrise Kevin (four points), Thunder Wind, T O Kaiser, Libeccio, Hyacinth winner Lucky Kid, and American Style.

Danon Bourbon is from the first crop of Maxfield, who would have been a major Kentucky Derby (G1) contender in 2020 if not for an injury. Now Danon Bourbon can have the opportunity to emulate his paternal grandsire, 2007 Derby champion Street Sense.

Bred by Blue Heaven Farm in the Bluegrass and sold for $450,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, Danon Bourbon is out of the Tapit mare Wild Ridge. Danon Bourbon’s maternal grandmother is multiple Grade 3-winning millionaire Wild Gams.