Yoshida outkicked a stout challenge from Beach Patrol to win his 2018 debut in the $500,000 Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs.
The 4-year-old Japanese-bred Heart's Cry colt sat in fourth through the first turn, a few paths off the hedge while Ramsey Farm's rabbit Shining Copper set the opening quarter in 24.86 seconds. Beach Patrol chased Shining Copper across the backstretch in second through a half in 50.61, and he overtook the pacesetter in the final turn, with Yoshida close behind in three-wide.
Under jockey Jose Ortiz, Yoshida took the lead at the top of the stretch, and outkicked a game Beach Patrol to win by about three-quarters of a length. Synchrony finished third.
Yoshida completed the 1 1/8-mile Turf Classic in 1:54.64 over a turf surface labeled as good. He paid $21.80 to win in his first start since winning the Grade 3 Hill Prince Stakes at Belmont last October.
Yoshida is trained by Bill Mott for the partnership of China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, and Head of Plains Partners. He was bred in Japan by Northern Farm.