Finger: The Rising Star of Japan's Dirt Racing Circuit
In the competitive world of Japanese thoroughbred racing, few young horses have captured attention as quickly as Finger. Specializing in dirt track racing, Finger has transitioned from a promising debutant to a dominant force in the 3-year-old classics, establishing himself as a premier talent under the guidance of trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka and jockey Keita Tosaki.
The Early Days: 2-Year-Old Season (2025)
Finger's professional journey began in 2025 with a debut in an 1,800-meter maiden race—a race for horses that have not yet won—at Nakayama Racecourse. Ridden by Keita Tosaki and entering as the second favorite, Finger showed immediate potential but was narrowly overtaken in the final stretch by a horse named Kenton, resulting in a close second-place finish.
The remainder of his juvenile season saw him move to the Tokyo Racecourse for two additional 1,600-meter maiden races in November. While he demonstrated consistent speed and competitiveness, he finished second in both outings, setting the stage for a breakout year as a three-year-old.
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Breakthrough and the Path to Glory: 3-Year-Old Season (2026)
The 2026 season marked Finger's ascent to the top of the rankings. On January 4, he returned to Nakayama for a maiden race, where he delivered a decisive performance. By breaking sharply from the start and maintaining a high pace throughout, he secured his first victory by two lengths.
First Graded Success
Shortly after his maiden win, Finger stepped up to graded stakes competition on January 21 at the Bluebird Cup, a Grade 3 race restricted to three-year-olds at Funabashi Racecourse. Despite the jump in competition, Finger settled into third place on the outside during the mid-race before pushing ahead on the third turn to win by a length and a half.
The Road to the Triple Crown
Finger then competed in the Keihin Hai, a Grade 2 trial for the Haneda Hai. Although he finished second—three lengths behind Rock Ptarmigan—the result was crucial as it guaranteed him priority entry into the first leg of Japan's Dirt Triple Crown.
At the Haneda Hai, Finger entered as the third favorite. He took an early lead near the first turn and successfully fended off challenges from Realize Glint and Rock Ptarmigan, winning by three lengths. Following the race, jockey Keita Tosaki noted that the victory was the result of a strategic plan with trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka to race near the front, highlighting Finger's significant improvement.
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Securing the Second Crown
On June 10, Finger entered the Tokyo Derby, the second leg of the Dirt Triple Crown. Mirroring his previous success, he took the lead and set the pace. Despite a brief challenge from Rock Ptarmigan before the final turn, Finger reclaimed the lead to win by a length, securing his second consecutive crown.
International Ambitions
Following his domestic success, the team announced on June 25 that Finger would embark on his first overseas campaign. He is scheduled to compete in the Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack on August 22. Depending on the outcome of this international debut, his connections will determine if he proceeds to the prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic.
Key Facts
- Primary Jockey: Keita Tosaki
- Trainer: Hiroyasu Tanaka
- Major Wins: Haneda Hai (1st leg of Dirt Triple Crown), Tokyo Derby (2nd leg of Dirt Triple Crown), Bluebird Cup (G3).
- Racing Style: Front-runner with strong early speed.
- Upcoming Target: Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack.
| Race/Event | Date/Season | Track | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maiden Race (1,800m) | 2025 | Nakayama | 2nd |
| Maiden Race (1,600m) | 2025 (Nov) | Tokyo | 2nd |
| Maiden Race (3yo) | Jan 4, 2026 | Nakayama | 1st |
| Bluebird Cup (G3) | Jan 21, 2026 | Funabashi | 1st |
| Keihin Hai (G2) | 2026 | - | 2nd |
| Haneda Hai | 2026 | - | 1st |
| Tokyo Derby | June 10, 2026 | Tokyo | 1st |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dirt Triple Crown in Japan?
The Dirt Triple Crown is a series of prestigious races for three-year-old horses specializing in dirt tracks, with the Haneda Hai and Tokyo Derby serving as the first and second legs, respectively.
Who is Finger's jockey and trainer?
Finger is ridden by jockey Keita Tosaki and trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka.
How did Finger perform in his 2-year-old season?
Finger was highly competitive but did not win during his 2-year-old season, finishing second in three separate maiden races at Nakayama and Tokyo Racecourses.
Which major races has Finger won in 2026?
In 2026, Finger won his 3-year-old maiden race, the Grade 3 Bluebird Cup, the Haneda Hai, and the Tokyo Derby.
What are Finger's international goals?
Finger is scheduled to compete in the Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack on August 22, with a potential subsequent appearance in the Breeders' Cup Classic.