Yutaka Take Rides Danon Cube to Close Gap in Shonan Galleon Debut

**Yutaka Take** rode Danon Cube to a close second‑place finish on July 5 2026 at Hakodate, as Flightline’s second Japanese progeny, Shonan Galleon, set a new two‑year‑old 1800‑metre turf record.

Shonan Galleon, a two‑year‑old colt trained by Shizuya Kato, broke the course record with a time of 1:47.6, beating the previous mark by half a second. The race featured a five‑horse field, and Danon Cube, ridden by Take, was the only other contender to challenge the leader. After a swift start, Danon Cube opened a sizable lead, but Shonan Galleon rallied in the middle stages and pulled ahead in the straight, finishing two and a half lengths clear.

Take, aboard Danon Cube, demonstrated his trademark timing. He kept the filly relaxed early, then asked for a sustained run as Shonan Galleon closed. Danon Cube never relinquished the lead, but the colt’s late acceleration left Take with a respectable runner‑up finish. The jockey’s effort earned praise for keeping the filly in contention against a record‑breaking rival.

The race underscores Take’s ability to extract a strong finish from a well‑bred filly. Danon Cube, a daughter of Irish Oaks winner Even So, was purchased for ¥115 million at the 2025 Select Sale. A solid second in a debut that produced a new course record adds credibility to Take’s partnership with high‑value bloodlines and reinforces his reputation for handling elite juveniles.

Danon Cube will likely target the upcoming G3 Artemis Stakes, where a strong showing could boost her value ahead of the 2026 Select Sale on July 13‑14. Take’s connections may also consider longer‑distance contests, given the filly’s stamina displayed over 1800 metres. Meanwhile, Shonan Galleon’s dominant debut puts Flightline’s Japanese crop in the spotlight, and Take will be watching closely as the sire’s progeny continue to shape the JRA landscape.

Flightline’s progeny are now two‑for‑two in JRA competition, following Demian’s win in June. The success of Shonan Galleon on turf highlights the growing demand for American‑sired horses that excel on Japanese grass tracks. Take’s involvement in a race that featured such a milestone adds a notable entry to his already extensive résumé.

The Hakodate debut offered a glimpse of future rivalries. Take’s ability to keep Danon Cube within striking distance of a record‑setting colt suggests that upcoming meetings could produce thrilling finishes, especially as the summer juvenile program ramps up across Japan.