Pyromancer (Pyro) maintained his unbeaten record and proved himself as Japan’s top juvenile on dirt with a resolute victory in the Jpn G1 Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki on Wednesday, 17 December.
Making a first NAR appearance following a pair of wins at Kyoto, the Keiji Yoshimura-trained colt pressed for the early lead in the mile highlight before racing in a three-quarter length second as Idaten Shacho led the nine runners.
Pyromancer and Best Green moved up to challenge for the lead turning in and the duo went clear early in the straight, with the Godolphin runner gamely responding for Mirai Iwata to assert inside the final furlong following a sustained battle.
Having opened up a length advantage in the final strides, Pyromancer saw his lead eroded by Tamamo Freesia, who flashed home to get to within a neck at the line.
Pyromancer’s victory earns the son of Pyro 20 Kentucky Derby points and the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun has proved a springboard for international success, with Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Forever Young and UAE Derby scorer Derma Sotogake on the recent roll of honour.
Pyromancer is out of the Hard Spun mare Centrifuge, herself a half sister to G3 performer Triple Ace and a granddaughter of G2 winner and G1 French 1,000 Guineas second Sha Tha.
Pyro is also sire this year of fellow Stakes winners Meisho Hario and Appealing Look and remains a consistent sire of top-class dirt performers. He has had a superb year with his two-year-olds, with 23 winning juveniles in 2025.
Pyro stands at a fee of 4 million yen.
