In the eyes of many racing pundits around the world, Japanese racehorses are the benchmark of thoroughbred talent.
When Japanese trainers take on the world's best they invariably win, whether they race in Dubai, Europe, America, Australia or across Asia; the world awaits with bated breath as Japanese superstar Equinox prepares for the Dubai World Cup Carnival in March.
But closer to home, Japanese stallions are proving they are worth their weight in gold as well, with Maurice proving a force in Australia and the somewhat unheralded New Zealand based Satono Aladdin also making waves.
Satono Aladdin was a top class miler and a son of Deep Impact just like Leneva Park stallion Fierce Impact. And like Fierce Impact, Satono Aladdin is out of an American mare - the similarities are striking.
Satono Aladdin has made a roaring start to his life as a young stallion in New Zealand with 2YO Tokyo Tycoon now unbeaten after four starts having taken the rich Karaka Million and G3 Matamata Slipper at his last two starts.
It's easy to see why the team at Leneva Park and the breeders who supported Fierce Impact in his first two seasons have such confidence in the future; the brilliance of Deep Impact lives on in his sons, Fierce Impact is primed to be the next in line to his sire's throne.