Fine Needle and Let’s Go Donki fought out a thrilling finish to Japan’s spring sprint feature, the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) at Chukyo Racecourse on Sunday.

The two gallopers may also now be heading to Sha Tin for the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 29 April.
 
The winner is likely to head overseas, according to trainer Yoshitada Takahashi. However, the destination is still up for discussion.
 
“We have entered him for Hong Kong and it is definitely an option if we are lucky enough to be chosen,” said Takahashi through an interpreter. 

“However, there has also been some thought of an English campaign, including Royal Ascot, so we need to sit down and plan it out. As trainer, my job is to have him prepared for whatever race he targets, whether it be in Hong Kong or in England.”
 
Let’s Go Donki, who finished off strongly for sixth to the John Size-trained Mr Stunning in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) in December, is also another likely visitor, either for the Chairman’s Sprint Prize or for the G1 Champions Mile (1600m).
 
“She ran well today and getting back to a right-handed track will suit her,” trainer Tomoyuki Umeda said. 

“I hope that we can return to Hong Kong again, the owner wants her to go back so we just have to hope for an invitation now.”