In the world of horse racing, few decisions are as crucial as choosing whether to make a run at history. For trainer Joe Lee and owner Larry Doyle, the choice to send May Day Ready to compete in Saturday's Hanshin Stakes in Japan became a matter of trust. Lee, with his 11 years of experience in Japan and his travels around the world with high-caliber horses, saw the potential in this race for the juvenile filly. Doyle, ever faithful in his trainer, was all in.

Testament to Faith and Expertise

Lee, a former assistant to some of the world's top trainers, set out on his own to work closely with his sons. Their six-horse stable at Belmont Park is a testament to their dedication. May Day Ready, a winner of three out of four starts and a millionaire with earnings of $1,014,025, has been a star under Lee's guidance. Her unwavering nature and intelligence have been on full display in every race. 1: From her maiden victory by a nose at 1 1/16 miles at Saratoga to her 1 3/4-length triumph in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes and her subsequent battles in graded stakes company at Keeneland, May Day Ready has shown remarkable consistency. Her regular jockey, legendary Frankie Dettori, is so committed that he would not be swayed by anything. 2: The daughter of Tapit out of the More Than Ready mare Nemoralia has handled every challenge with ease. Even in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, where she had to steady in the early going and still finished powerfully in second place, she has proven her mettle.

Preparing for the Hanshin Stakes

1: With a $325,000 purchase as a 2-year-old, May Day Ready and the other runners heading to the starting gate in the Hanshin Stakes face a tough challenge. With up to 18 starters permitted, a clean trip will be crucial. But Lee is convinced that May Day Ready can handle it. She left for Japan on Nov. 19, accompanied by his son Joseph, and has adjusted well to a different type of feed. 2: Whatever the outcome of this great adventure, May Day Ready will be given a significant break from racing when she returns from Japan. Plans call for her to begin her 3-year-old campaign during Keeneland's spring meet, with the Kentucky Derby undercard as a potential second start. Lee is confident that she is up to the task.