One of the world’s most illustrious races is just under a month away, as the Kentucky Derby is staged at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6. This year’s race looks set to be one of the most international affairs that we have seen in recent years, as there will be two leading contenders making the journey to Churchill Downs from Japan.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Derma Sotogake and he has become a Kentucky Derby bets underdog to keep an eye on.

So, can he deliver a historic success for Japan in one of the world’s most famous races?

Derma Sotogake’s Form

The betting for the Kentucky Derby has a very interesting feel this year, as bettors are trying to find a runner that could potentially lay down the challenge to Forte. There is every chance that the contender could be Derma Sotogake.

The three-year-old for trainer Hidetaka Otonashi appears to have campaigned for the opening Triple Crown race from an early stage, with each of his previous four efforts coming on the dirt.

He played a pleasing first impression after moving off the turf, as he held on to beat a talented rival in the form of Continuar by a nose. On his following start, he would land a local Grade 1 in Japan, beating Omatsuri Otoko by a head, scoring an official rating of 101.

He has then stepped up in quality again for the G3 Saudi Derby in Riyadh, but he traveled well throughout the race before being beaten by two lengths by Commissioner King. But, his stand-out performance would come in Meydan.

UAE Derby Success

The UAE Derby has been the route to the Kentucky Derby for Japanese connections for a number of years, but this year’s renewal was one of the stiffer challenges, with runners also competing from Ireland and the United States. Derma Sotogake was in excellent form in Meydan, and traveled well throughout the race, before kicking on with two furlongs to go to win by over five lengths.

The performance can also be ranked up, as there were some credible contenders finishing behind, but none could deal with the late pace boasted by the Japanese hope. Churchill Downs will certainly be a different test, but few runners in the field can match the RPR of 120 achieved by the Japanese raider in his final prep.

Japan’s Second Derby Hope

Derma Sotogake isn’t the only Japanese runner expected to line up in the Kentucky Derby this year, as Continuar also has enough points to compete in Grade 1.

Connections of the three-year-old quickly announced after his third in the UAE Derby that they will be traveling to Churchill Downs, but it’s fair to say that this contender comes with slightly less excitement surrounding him.

Continuar finished over ten lengths behind Derma Sotogake in the UAE Derby, and was also beaten by a nose on debut by the same rival in November.

While it’s unlikely Continuar has regressed in that time, it’s hugely likely that his rival has improved to such a high level that he can no longer get near him. Continuar was also well beaten in the Saudi Derby in February, as he finished back in fifth.

But, as connections of Rich Strike showed last year, you need to be in the race to have a chance of winning it.

Can Derma Sotogake Win The Kentucky Derby?

For most people, there’s no stopping Forte in the Kentucky Derby this year, as the Todd Pletcher runner has continued to progress with every start that he makes. Derma Sotogake certainly has the ability to hit the frame, and if Forte doesn’t perform on the day, he could be there to pick up the pieces.