After winning both of his races as a two-year-old in 2018 he proved himself one of the best colts of his generation in the following year when he won the Tokinominoru Kinen and the Mainichi Okan as well as running second in the Tokyo Yushun and third in the Satsuki Sho.

He was from the ninth crop of foals sired by Deep Impact, who was the Japanese Horse of the Year in 2005 and 2006, winning races including the Tokyo Yushun, Tenno Sho, Arima Kinen and Japan Cup.

Starting the 3.2/1 third choice in the betting behind Admire Mars and Fossamagna, he raced in fourth place before overtaking the front-running favourite in the closing stages and winning by one and a quarter lengths.

After settling in fourth place he struggled to obtain a clear run before producing a strong charge along the inside rail and finished third, beaten a head and a nose by Saturnalia and Velox in a three-way photo-finish.

[9] After a four-month summer break Danon Kingly returned to the track in the Grade 2 Mainichi Okan 1800 metres at Tokyo on 6 October in which he was matched against older horses for the first time.

After racing in last place for most of the way Danon Kingly was switched to the outside in the straight and produced a sustained run to take the lead in the closing stages and win by a length and a quarter from Aerolithe with Indy Champ the same distance away in third.

He started second favourite but after tracking the leaders for most of the way he was unable to make any significant progress in the straight and came home fifth behind Indy Champ, Danon Premium, Persian Knight and My Style.

In a change of tactics, Yokoyama sent him into the lead from the start and Danon Kingly maintained his advantage until the last 100 metres when he was overtaken and beaten into third place by Lucky Lilac and Chrono Genesis.

[14] Keita Tosaki returned from injury to resume his partnership with the colt when Danon Kingly was dropped back in distance for the 1600 metre Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo on 7 June.