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Thursday, Februay 6, 2003
No. 62
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Saturday, February 1 at Nakayama: South Vigorous Takes Negishi
Despite more than five months off the track, SOUTH VIGOROUS(USA) showed a brilliant run over 1,200 meters on dirt to take the Negishi Stakes(g3) for his second straight title. The American-bred son of End Sweep, with Yoshitomi Shibata aboard, tracked the pace on the heel of the leader. Traveling strongly, he blasted to the top outside 200 meters to go and led close at the line. NIHON PILLOW CERT, the favorite of the 16-runner contest, rallied to take a neck second, followed by seventh choice NOBO JACK, another 1/2-length behind.
Second choice SOUTH VIGOROUS covered the sprint distance in 1 minute 10.4 seconds. As his sixth grade success, the 7-year-old gained the winner's money of 42+ million yen that extended his lifetime earnings to more than 418 million yen.
A winner of 14 races in 30 starts, SOUTH VIGOROUS races in the color of Hisashi Namba. Yoshiyasu Takahashi trains him at Ritto. Samuel H. Rogers Jr. is a breeder of the horse, whose dam Darkest Start is by Star de Naskra.
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Sunday, February 2 at Nakayama: Bold Brian's late stride prevails in Tokyo Shimbun
BOLD BRIAN reappeared in exactly the same powerful late-stride as one week ago, winning the Tokyo Shimbun Hai, a g3 main event for the Nakayama Sunday meet. Just coming off an impressive victory at the lower class last Sunday, third choice BOLD BRIAN won by a neck from favorite LOHENGRIN with another neck behind KAORI GIOVANNI third.
Yoshitomi Shibata was aboard on the winner with a final time of 1 minute 32.3 seconds in a distance of 1,600 meters on turf. Shibata, seizing his second grade event in two days, said, " The colt is still open to improvement and he has the ability to compete at the g1 level."
Shibata allowed BOLD BRIAN to rate far off the pace and still cruised at the dead last as the field of 14 runners turned for home. LOHENGRIN dictated the pace from start and continued to run very well, but BOLD BRIAN powered through the stretch, splitting horses on inside and edging LOHENGRIN in the nick of the time for his 5th victory in 11 starts.
More than 43 million yen for the first prize went to BOLD BRIAN, who has now totaled over 100 million yen in earnings for trainer Kazuo Fujisawa and owner Eiichi Kobayashi. A 4-year-old son of Brian's Time out of the Septieme Ciel mare Sizieme Sens, BOLD BRIAN was produced by Shiyoda Farm in Shizunai, Hokkaido.
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Sunday, February 2 at Kyoto: Happy Path's victory in Kyoto Stakes gives Fujisawa double
Trainer Kazuo Fujisawa swept the grade races on Sunday. Five minutes after BOLD BRIAN's Tokyo Shimbun victory at Nakayama, another Fujisawa's trainee HAPPY PATH visited the winner's circle at Kyoto when the 5-year-old mare captured the 1,600-meter Kyoto Himba Stakes(g3) under Olivier Peslier.
Second choice HAPPY PATH finished strong enough to hold off 10th choice MEINE ISLE for a neck victory in 1 minute 34.6 seconds. 13th choice GAMBLE ROSE was another 3/4-length away third in the field of 16 fillies and mares. The 7-11-12 trio paid hugely 67,270 yen for 100 yen.
Peslier had his fourth title for the g3 female event. The French jockey, winning the graded stakes in second consecutive week, has been in the best form to ride the six winners over the weekend at Kyoto.
HAPPY PATH, a well-bred daughter of Sunday Silence out of the Posse mare Happy Trails, finally scored her first grade victory in 17 starts. In addition to the winning prize of 42+ million yen, her career earnings have been improved to nearly 168 million yen. Shadai Race Horse Club owns the mare, whose breeder is Northern Farm in Hayakita, Hokkaido.
Japanese Music to play while reading all about Japanese horse racing (http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicStar-Vocal/5451/)
No. 67
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Sunday, March 2 at Nakayama: Lohengrin takes Nakayama
Making his seventh start on the grade race, favorite LOHENGRIN beat a quality company of 11 rivals to register his first grade win in the Nakayama Kinen(g2).
The pace that LOHENGRIN set under the guide of Hiroki Goto, the first 1,000-meter in 59.5 seconds, was more than enough for him to go all the way to finish line. The 4-year-old Singspiel colt won by a decisive 3-length over BALANCE OF GAME, followed by DAIWA GEANT third. This was the seventh victory in 14 starts that LOHENGRIN covered the 1,800-meter distance in 1 minute 47.6 seconds on soft ground.
http://www.geocities.co.jp/MusicStar-Vocal/5451/roengurin/wakakusa2.gif
LOHENGRIN
G1 winner TOKAI POINT did not finish due to a serious leg injury at the upper stretch.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/special/awrd2002/body/image/a07_01.jpg
Following in the wake of his grandsire, Symboli Rudolf, and sire, Tokai Teio, Tokai Point captured the Mile Championship in November, making him a third generation G I winner. His performance in the Nakayama Kinen, which he won with a record-breaking time, as well as his solid third place finish in the Hong Kong Mile (HK-G1), were added factors, placing him above Hishi Miracle, Narita Top Road and Shonan Kampf for the Best Horse by Home-Bred Sire title.
In addition to the first purse of nearly 65 million yen, the Masanori Ito-trained LOHENGRIN out of the Garde Royale mare Carling has totaled more than 218 million yen in earnings. Shadai Farm in Chitose, Hokkaido is a breeder of the colt, whose owner is Shadai Race Horse.
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Sunday, March 2 at Hanshin: Shonan Kampf leads the way to win Hankyu
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After an unplace finish in the Hong Kong Sprint(g1) at Sha Tin in mid-December, SHONAN KAMPF made his successful debut of 2003 campaign with a victory in the Hankyu Hai(g3), a key prep race for the g1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.
Under the hands of Shinji Fujita, SHONAN KAMPF made a great start and set the pace, then kept running really well throughout 1,200 meters before winning by a 2 1/2-length from SUNNINGDALE with AGNES SONIC(USA) third. Sent off the favorite in a field of consisting of 15 runners, the 5-year-old horse stopped the clock in 1 minute 8.5 seconds to take home the first prize of 43+ million yen.
SHONAN KAMPF is trained at Miho by Yokichi Okubo and has raced in the color of T. Kunimoto 18 times in which he won 8 races to his credit. Oyanagi Farm in Urakawa, Hokkaido bred the winning horse, who is by Sakura Bakushin O out of Shonan Grace, by Lucky Sovereign.
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Saturday, March 1 at Hanshin: Arlington Cup goes to Win Kluger
The seventh choice of the field of 16 three-year-olds, WIN KLUGER notched the 1,600-meter Arlington Cup(g3) victory at rainy Kyoto. The Taiki Shuttle colt out of the Be My Guest mare Invite came just off the pace and wore down EKOLU PLACE(USA) and NISHINO SHITAN in the mid-stretch for a 1/2-length victory in 1 minute 36.8 seconds on soft turf. Yuichi Fukunaga rode the winner. Fourth choice EKOLU PLACE took second place, a 1 3/4-length in front of fifth choice NISHINO SHITAN.
WIN KLUGER, a highly prospect of Shigeki Matsumoto stable, gained the winner's prize of 40+ million yen and has now lifetime earnings of almost 57 million yen. Bred in Shizunai, Hokkaido by Hashimoto Bokujo, the colt has now won three in six starts for owner Win Co. Ltd.
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Sunday, March 2 at Hanshin:
LINCOLN posted his third consecutive win when he had a promising victory in the Sumire Stakes. The Hidetaka Otonashi-trained Sunday Silence colt, never out of the quinella spot in five starts, will go straight to the Satsuki Sho(Japanese 2000 Guineas).
Thursday, Februay 27, 2003
No. 66
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Sunday, February 23 at Nakayama: Gold rush in February Stakes
As a tune-up race before Dubai, trainer Yasuo Ikee picked the February Stakes(g1) for GOLD ALLURE, and the 4-year-old colt did not disappoint the trainer's expectation, winning the richest dirt race besides the Japan Cup Dirt in JRA program. The leading jockey Yutaka Take picked up his first February win for his 41st JRA g1 title.
.http://www.ryomonet.co.jp/horserace/image/03n-04goldallure.jpg
Gold Allure enters the stretch in the February Stakes(g1)
(photo by Misumi)
The 20th February Stakes Grade One (http://www.ryomonet.co.jp/horserace/wform02212003friday.html)
The 16 strong runners posted in search of the 97.6+ million yen first purse for the JRA g1 opener. KANETSU FLEUVE showed a speed, setting the pace to 60.2 seconds for the first 1,000-meter, while Take kept GOLD ALLURE third place with BIWA SHINSEIKI running alongside of him. "There was no need to go in front. I just wanted him to run on the inside.", said Take referring to GOLD ALLURE's smooth run at the chasing position.
A steady move that race favorite GOLD ALLURE made during the final bend brought him into second place while entering the stretch. The chestnut colt had no sonner shifted into a top gear than he blew past KANETSU FLUEVE outside 200 meters to go and rushed into the lead. Before a ncek in front under the finish line, GOLD ALLURE had to hold off BIWA SHINSEIKI, who was left behind at the final turn but came right back to the challenge.
EAGLE CAFE(USA) met a couple of distraction down the stretch, finishing 3-length behind the runner-up in third place followed by KANETSU FLEUVE, another 2-length back. The winning time was 1 minute 50.9 seconds as GOLD ALLURE completed the 1,800-meter distance on fast track.
After his fifth finish in the Japanese Derby last June, trainer Ikee's decision to switch GOLD ALLURE back to the dirt proved with the four g1 triumphs and now he vies for the Dubai race. "Yutaka rode a magnificant race. The colt ran very well at the stalking position.", the trainer pointed out that the colt has versatility.
GOLD ALLURE, probably the best dirt runner sired by Sunday Silence, has now totaled more than 367.7 million yen in earnings with seven wins in 14 starts. Shadai Race Horse owns the colt out of the Nureyev mare Nikiya. His breeder is Oiwake Farm in Oiwake, Hokkaido.
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Saturday, February 22 at Kyoto: Sound good in Kyoto
After finishing out of the board on January 19 in the Nikkei Shinshu Hai(g2), MY SOLE SOUND made on reappearance for the Kyoto Kinen(g2) for 4yo+ on a rainy Kyoto course. The 4-year-old son of Tamamo Cross did not disappoint this time, getting to the wire in front to capture the Kyoto feature for his fifth triumph in 15 starts.
Jockey Masaru Honda allowed MY SOLE SOUND to track the pace, remaining a sole second behind TOKAI PULSAR before the jockey charged the colt to the front inside 200 meters out for the winning run. IBUKI GOVERNMENT, coming with a strong late run, had a clear shot but fell a short of neck to be second place. Another 3/4-length TOKAI PULSAR hung on to third place in the field of 16 runners. The winner went in 2 minutes 16.5 seconds on soft turf over 2,200 meters for the first prize of 65+ million yen.
Eighth choice MY SOLE SOUND, seventh choice IBUKI GOVERNMENT and 13th choice TOKAI PULSAR finished 1-2-3 and the trio paid a huge amount of 88,670 yen for 100 yen.
Produced from the Sunday Silence mare Cheers Sumire, MY SOLE SOUND has now earnings of nearly 154 million yen under the name of Kiyoshi Sano. Nagata Farm in Mombetsu, Hokkaido is a breeder of the two-time grade winning colt. Trainer Katsuichi Nishiura said that the Takarazuka Kinen rather than the Tenno Sho Spring is likely to be the colt's prime target in view of his proper distance.
Wednesday, Februay 19, 2003
No. 64
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Sunday, February 16 at Kyoto: Neo Universe shows a potential in Kisaragi
Trainer Tsutomu Setoguchi's expectation on NEO UNIVERSE rose high toward the 3-year-old colt classics when the son of Sunday Silence had a promising victory in the Kisaragi Sho(g3).
Third choice NEO UNIVERSE came wide turning into the stretch and subsequently took command outside 200 meters from home. Second choice SILENT DEAL alongside with favorite MACKY MAX had a serious challenge, but NEO UNIVERSE's closing stride was strong enough to turn down their quest for the winner's prize of 42+ million yen.
NEO UNIVERSE with Yuichi Fukunaga aboard defeated 13 rivals for a 1/2-length victory, clocking 1 minute 49.6 seconds for the 1,800-meter test on soft ground.
Under the name of Shadai Race Horse, NEO UNIVERSE has now registered three wins in four starts with just over 63 million yen in earnings. The bay colt out of the Kris mare Pointed Path was produced from Shadai Farm in Chitose, Hokkaido.
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Sunday, February 16 at Nakayama: A wire-o-wire victory for Ingrandire in Diamond
INGRANDIRE led every step of the 3,200-meter trip to capture the 53rd Diamond Stakes(g3) for 4yo+. Jockey Junichi Kobayashi stopped his losing streak to ride the first winner this season. "Going into the front was the way that I had planned.", said Kobayashi. The tactics turned out to be successful.
In the nonexistence of a true front runner in the 13-runner competition, eighth choice INGRANDIRE set the pace and never yielded all the way to the wire for an easy 1 1/4-length victory. The second was 11th choice HAPPY LOOK followed by favorite DAITAKU BERTRAM. This was INGRANDIRE's fourth win in 19 starts. It was 3 minutes 23.7 seconds that the winner got to the wire after completing the marathone trip on good to soft ground.
INGRANDIRE is trained at Miho by Yoshinami Shimizu and races in the color of Chizu Yoshida. With the first prize 43+ million yen, his career earnings have been improved to more than 901 million yen. Shadai Farm in Chitose, Hokkaido is a breeder of the 4-year-old colt, who is by White Muzzle out of the Real Shadai mare Marilyn Momoko.
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Injury makes filly champ out of Spring season
PEACE OF WORLD, the 2002 2-year-old filly champion, will be sidelined for at least three months due to a leg injury. This would be ruled her out of the Spring campaign. The Masahiro Sakaguchi-trained daughter of Sunday Silence was considered as the best filly and the most prospect for the 3-year-old filly classics - the Oka Sho and Oaks. In her freshman campaing, she has never missed the winner's circle in four starts.
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This Sunday sees the February Stakes(g1) at Nakayama, which will be the first grade one event of the year in JRA calendar. A total of 24 runners has been nominated for the biggest dirt event in early season
February 14, Februay , 2003
No. 63
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Sunday, February 9 at Nakayama: Run to the Freeze in Kyodo News
RUN TO THE FREEZE bested the 11 classic hopefuls by taking the Kyodo News Service Hai(g3). This was the first grade victory, overall three wins in eight starts, for the 3-year-old son of Brian's Time and provided NAR jockey Hiroyuki Uchida with the first JRA grade title. The winner did freeze the clock in 1 minute 48.3 seconds after completing the 1,800 meters on good turf.
Uchida maneuvered RUN TO THE FREEZE into holding at the front side of the field and was never out of the first four. The NAR Ohi jockey gave the colt a series of hard presses while climbing up the hill in the stretch. Within 100 meters out, RUN TO THE FREEZE got into the front with TAKARA SHAADI pushing his way on outside.
It seems that the pair emerged a head-to-head battle, but the 43+ million yen first prize went to RUN TO THE FREEZE, who got the better of TAKARA SHAADI by a neck at the line. It was another one length behind that REWARD CYMBALS took third.
"It went very well for my rides that I never dreamed.", said Uchida, who has compiled two firsts and three seconds in 8 mounts on that day at Nakayama.
Kenji Yamauchi-trained RUN TO THE FREEZE has now gained more than 74+ million yen for owner Tomiro Fukami. The bay colt out of the Rivlia mare Solo Singer was bred in Mombetsu, Hokkaido by Toyosato Bokujo.
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Sunday, February 9 at Kyoto: T.M.Sunday late burst prevails in Silk Road
T.M. Sunday struck a devastating blow through the stretch to land the 1,200-meter Silk Road Stakes(g3). His explosive late-charge made others remain standing. Under the courageous ride of Shinichi Akiyama, sixth choice T.M. SUNDAY hurried his steps from the rear end of the 14-horse field during the 300+ meters Kyoto stretch on the process of scoring a neck victory in 1 minute 8.6 seconds.
Second choice CAFE BOSTONIAN(USA) was not able to match the winner's final stride, finishing a 1 1/4-length in front of favorite SUNNINGDALE in second.
After finding his right way to the short distance in a few starts back, T.M. SUNDAY developed into a real good runner at age 7. It was his 31 career starts that the son of Sunday Silence became the first grade hero as his seventh victory.
Under the condition of Masaru Fukushima, T.M. SUNDAY gained the 43.5 million yen for the victory to extend his career earnings up to nearly 190 million yen. He races in the color of Masatsuzu Takezono. Bred in Urakawa, Hokkaido by Miyauchi Bokujo, the horse is out of the No Attention mare Thurston Flag.
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Sunday, February 9 at Kokura: Daishoten won by Meiner Blau
The Kokura Daishoten, a g3 main event at Kokura, was won by 11th choice MEINER BLAU, who beat 15 rivals for his fifth victory in 23 starts. Shinji Kawashima guided the winner to an upset victory in the 1,800 meters contest for 4yo+ with a final time of 1 minute 49.1 on good turf. Third choice YU ONE PROTECT ran second a neck behind the winner and the same margin before fifth choice ZENNO SHOGUN.
With the first prize of 43+ million yen, MEINER BLAU has earnings of more than 193 millio yen under the name of Thoroughbred Club Ruffian. Masatoshi Ando trains him. Big Red Farm in Shizunai, Hokkaido is a breeder of the 6-year-old horse, who is by Amber Shadai out of Okano Blue, by Neptunus.
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2001 Sprint Champion retired:
TROT STAR has been retired to stud at Hidaka Stallion Center for 2003 breeding season. The 7-year-old son of Damister ended his career with a record of 8 wins in 34 starts and earnings of more than 472 million yen. With a couple of the g1 sprint victories in 2001, namely, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen and Sprinters Stakes, he was honored for the sprint champion of that year.
Six likely heads for Dubai:
As of February 7, six of the originally 11 nominees are likely to be heading for the 2003 Dubai World Cup, held Saturday, February 29 at Nad Al Sheba. The possibly Japanese runners for the one-day world famous event are:
GOLD ALLURE(Dubai World Cup), ADMIRE DON(Dubai World Cup), EAGLE CAFE(Dubai World Cup), NOBO TURE(Dubai Golden Shaheen), UTOPIA(UAE Derby) and AGNES SONIC(Dubai Dodolphin Mile)
The VRC has responded favourably to news that its Australian Cup has been included in a list of elite races from around the world, by the Japanese Racing Association.
JRA had earlier announced that the winner of the 2003 Australian Cup would be eligible for a bonus of more than $AUD 1.3 million, should it win the JRA Takarazuka Kinen (Turf 2200m) at Hanshin, Japan, on 29 June.
The Chief Executive of the Victoria Racing Club, Dale Monteith said: "The VRC welcomes the JRA’s decision to include the Australian Cup in such an elite list of races. It reinforces the high regard with which the race is held within the Australasian racing community, as this country’s premium middle distance WFA event in the Autumn.
The link being forged between races like the Australian Cup and the Takarazuka Kinen, as a result of the lucrative bonus being offered by JRA, augurs well for the future of International racing. The JRA is to be congratulated on this initiative. Certainly, both races will benefit from the association, and the VRC looks forward to the possibility of seeing an Australian Cup winner competing in the Takarazuka Kinen in the years ahead".
VRC News
Wednesday, 7 May 2003:
This year's Spring Tenno Sho (Emperor's Cup) has gone to Hishi Miracle.
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KYOTO — Kikka-sho winner Hishi Miracle stormed down the final furlong to win the Tenno-sho for a second Grade One victory Sunday, holding off late charges by Sunrise Jaeger and top-favorite Daitaku Bertram. Hishi Miracle won the 3,200-meter spring Tenno-Sho on Sunday in 3 minutes 17.0 seconds for his second career G1 trophy after favorite Daitaku Bertram, Take up, was badly cut off down the final straight at Kyoto Racecourse.
Seventh-pick Hishi Miracle, with Koichi Tsunoda aboard, pulled away after turning the final bend and held on for a half-length victory over lightly regarded Sunrise Jaeger in the 3,200-meter race on turf at Kyoto Racecourse in 3 minutes, 17.0 seconds. (Kyodo News)
Favourite for the 3,200m classic was Daitaku Bertram, ridden by Yutaka Take, was unable to find a run when rounding the last bend and finished in third, neck behind Sunrise Jaeger, who in turn was half a length behind the winner.
Hishi Miracle's win was not entirely a surprise - he won the Japanese St Leger last year, and was certainly a great relief to his trainer Masaru Sayama, who had threatened to shave his head if his horse didn't finish in the first three! Come to think of it this was probably a great releif to Mrs Sayama too.
The Koichi Tsunoda-ridden Hishi Miracle also benefited at the Kikka-Sho in November, when Take, aboard favorite No Reason, fell off his mount at the start. Hishi Miracle went on to win the 3,000-meter final leg of the triple crown.
Riding out of gate No. 11, 4-year-old Hishi Miracle finished a half-length ahead of Sunrise Jaeger to collect the 132 million yen first-place prize.
Despite the setback, Daitaku Bertram still came in third a neck behind among the field of 18, as Take managed to regroup for a late closing rush.
"I know he wasn't one of the favorites, but I thought he had a chance at 3,200 meters at Kyoto," said 32-year-old Tsunoda, who won his first Tenno-Sho. "I was only trying to make my moves early; to push up early, to bring him out early.
"He hung in all the way to the end. I'm very happy."
Tsurumaru Boy and Dantsu Flame were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Daitaku Bertram, who surfaced as the favorite for the 127th running of the spring Tenno-Sho after cruising to a one-length victory in the March 23 Hanshin Daishoten, proceeded through the race without problem until turning for home.
Staying behind the pace set by See Through All on the outside and Ar Alan on the inside, Daitaku Bertram ran gently along the rail for nearly two full laps around the Kyoto track.
Heading into the final bend, Take moved Daitaku Bertram off the railing and into the middle of the pack. Thinking "safety first," Tsunoda entered the stretch on the outside, where there was no congestion.
A wall formed in front of Daitaku Bertram, forcing Take to pull back and swing the 5-year-old bay away from the inside strip. By then, Hishi Miracle had broken free for the wire.
Sunrise Jaeger, with Hiroki Goto in the irons, came charging down the stretch for the silver medal past Daitaku Bertram.
Hishi Miracle, by Soccer Boy, has five wins in 21 career starts. He boosted his career earnings to 336.9 million yen.
Trainer Masaru Sayama also won his first Tenno-Sho.
Very good win by Hishi Miracle. It would be great to see any of the top 3 heading to the Melbourne Cup, as there are now no more G1s in Japan over 2500m until this race again next year. And all three of the placegetters are long distance horses, that really need 3000m. It would be particularly interesting to see the favourite Daitaku Bertram head to Flemington, as although he is now G1 placed, apart from that he only has one Group win (a G2), so he should get very little weight, and be a very very big chance. He would have gone very close to winning if he'd been able to get a clear run at the top of the straight.
The placegetters will now begin a procession of losses I guess over unsuitable shorter distances, but the 4th and 5th horses will be suited by trips around 2000m and look on target for the Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) which is looking to be a very very good race if all those that are aiming for it turn up.. Fine Motion, Symboli Kris S, Eishin Preston (?), Agnes Digital (?), Tsurumaru Boy, Dantsu Flame, Air Eminem, Lady Pastel, Tap Dance City etc etc (all of whom are G1 winners or placegetters).
Also, Agnes Digital made his return to racing over an suitable 1400m on dirt, and ran a promising 4th behind some of the best short course dirt horses around. He will now apparently head to the Yasuda Kinen, which should be a great race, with a long awaited rematch against Eishin Preston, as well as a long list of others (not aware of any foreign horses at this stage). If they had antepost betting in Japan, my money would be on a Danehill colt called Mid Town at pretty nice odds (yet to run in Group company), and Agnes Digital.
This week is the 3yo mile championship at the revamped Tokyo course. Shaping as a pretty open affair, with quite a few quality horses. I will be sticking with Shake my Heart (which should be at least 100/1) as Shadai told me he was being confidently aimed at the race when I was up there (only a chance on a non-rain affected track), and he has been running OK on slippery tracks since.
Handy Harry
13-05-2003, 09:34
From: InJapan2 Sent: 13/05/2003 11:22 AM
3 well-bred Godolphin horses have arrived in Japan, and within the next couple of months make their race debut here. Godolphin has set up a company which will own horses on the "local circuit" (in other words not JRA). This is sort of the back door way in to Japan, as you can't own horses with JRA unless you live here and are rolling in money (I think I heard from SW that there are only 2 foreign owners here - I was surprised that there were that many!).
The local circuit racing is 95% dirt track racing, and the level is a different world to JRA racing. To give you an idea - a horse that has run 2 or 3 times in JRA running last every time, will be long odds-on on debut on the local circuit, and will usually bolt in. Thats the difference. On the other hand, the local prizemoney is not much though - but still probably midweek Sydney level or better.
The real backdoor is that if you win designated races on the local circuit, you can run in JRA races. Thats what Godolphin is here for.
This is also my "backdoor" plan - they beat me to it!
May 9, 2003
The JRA Selection Committee has announced one oversea runner for the Yasuda Kinen (JPN G1) *, which will be run at Tokyo Racecourse on June 8, 2003.
The following runner has been selected:
Hong Kong
Olympic Express
Gelding 5 I. Allan L. Yung
The horse's major group race wins:
2002 Hong Kong Mile (G1), 2003 Hong Kong Gold Cup (HK G1)
* Yasuda Kinen (JPN G1)
Date: June 8 (Sun)
Racecourse: Tokyo
Distance(m): 1,600
Qualification to run: 3-year-old & up
Total Added Money: 179,400,000 yen ($1,435,000) $1 = 125 Yen
Closing Date for Preliminary Nominations: May 1 (Thu)
Maximum Number of foreign trained runners: Five
The only internation entry for the Yasuda Kinen (1600m, Tokyo), Olympic Express from HK has withdrawn. Therefore no international horses this year. What a waste...
In other news, Eishin Preston has been nominated for the Arlington Million. Doubt he'll go though.
Handy Harry
23-05-2003, 14:22
The Japanese Oaks on Sunday.
The race I have been waiting for.
My top tip is Meine Nouvelle (mentioned plenty of times above). The Brian's Time filly out of the Zabeel mare. She was born to win this race - great 2400m bloodlines.
She should be at least 6 or 7/1, and to me looks great value.
The biggest danger will be Admire Groove - the other horse in the race who was born to win this. Her dam (one of my favourite horses ever) Air Groove won the Oaks, and Air Groove's dam also won the Oaks, so a three generation Oaks win is on the line for Admire Groove. She is of couse by SS, so again the bloodlines are brilliant, and she will be the short favourite - especially after her fast finishing 3rd in the 1000 Guineas.
Memory Kianu(?) is my 3rd pick, and I think those three will run the trifecta. She killed them in the latest Oaks trial at Tokyo, and is by Tony Bin which means she will run well at this track, and should also like the 2400m. Should be the main danger to my top 2.
Other dangers/favourites will be Still in Love, the 1000 Guineas winner (too far for her in my book, she is a top miler), Peace of World - the champion undefeated 2yo who is 4 for 4, but has never run past 1600m, and is first up for 6 months over 2400m!), and Time Will Tell who also has nice bloodlines being by Brian's Time out of a Sadler's Wells mare (who has done nothing as a sire here, but been sucessful as a BMS) - but to me, she doesn't have the form to win this race, although this is obviously her best ever chance to win a G1.
Oliver has a ride, but on form has no chance whatsoever unfortunately.
Should be a great race, and am very confident - the Oaks has always been a good race for me, and this year's version has been much anticipated.
Saturday, March 22 at Nakayama; Nouvelle's late run prevails Flower Cup
MEINE NOUVELLE closed far back to triumph the Flower Cup(g3) for her 2003 debut. She was at the rear end of a field of 16 three-year-old fillies, until the field entered the stretch. As jockey Norihiro Yokoyama brought her to outside, MEINE NOUVELLE displayed a bursting run to sweep most of her rivals before scoring her third victory in four starts. Over 1,800 meters on turf, her winning time was 1 minute 49.5 seconds. The winning margin was a 1 1/4-length. TOSEN LILY took up a brief lead in the stretch and held off SIREN'S SONG in second place.
The Flower Cup victory that extended MEINE NOUVELLE's winning streak up to three came at more than three months since she won the Hope Stakes last December. She grabbed a berth of the Oka Sho(Japanese 1000 Guineas), but trainer Ryuichi Inaba has not decided to run her in the first filly classic. She may skip it to concentrate on the Japanese Oaks.
MEINE NOUVELLE, a daughter of Brian's Time out of Meiner Pretender(by Zabeel), has now registered 64+ million yen in earnings for owner Thoroughbred Club Raffian. Big Red Farm in Shizunai, Hokkaido is a breeder of the db/b filly.
Watch the video to see Japanese star Agnes win on the turf.
Agnes wins (http://www.jra.go.jp/videointeractive/rep_yasudakine_h15.html)
http://www.hongkongjockeyclub.com/english/special/hkir2001/Races/images/hkir01_warpup_photo_hkcup.jpg
Damien Oliver's weekend with 6 rides Saturday, best a 2nd
Sunday 7 rides, only one with a chance 6/4 fav ran 5th, race run in 2.23.6 for the 2400m, a record but the track has been redesigned so its hard to compare previous times. Anyway winner is by Generous, Dantsu Running.
Main race today, Yasuda Kinen G1 won by......Agnes Digital, he's back.
Time 1.32.1 for the 1600m breaking Oguri Cap's time of 1.32.4
D.Oliver great ride on Eagle Cafe to get 4th beaten out of 3rd by a nose.
Still 4th in this race pays about $160,000 Aussie dollars.
Results......Agnes Digital, Admire Max, Lohengrin, Eagle Cafe, Dantsu Flame. margins...nk by 3/4 by nose by1/2. Out in 46.1 home in 34.4
http://www.hihing.com/img/uma900x50.gif
thanks to Special Week ( below post)
The first 2 of Godolphins 2yos trialled here yesterday morning over 800m on dirt. One ran first and one last (6th) in their respective trials. However both ran over 52 seconds, under the whip and hard riding, compared to the fastest time of the day of just over 49 secs. Even the third fastest time of the day at 51 secs was hard held.
Even though the 2 are bred beautifully (1 by Seeking the Gold, and the other by Mark of Esteem), at this stage it doesn't look like it is going to be as easy as everyone was expecting....
Not much else news here at the moment, with everyone busy either 1) choosing their 2yos for this year's "Paper Owner Games - a huge thing here, almost an industry!", or 2) looking forward to next weekend's big showdown in the Takarazuka. Neo Universe has become a declared runner now, so this will the first time a Derby winner has ever run in the event as a 3yo, really spicing up this year's event against horse like Agnes Digital and HOTY from last year Symboli Kris S...
By Patrick Bartley at Flemington
July 6 2003
Novice steeplechaser Lance Corporal may be the next Australian galloper to take on the world after a dashing victory in the $200,000 Grand National Steeple (4500 metres) at Flemington yesterday.
As Australian racing gears up for Choisir's appearance at Newmarket in the July Cup later this week, Lance Corporal's connections will ponder a raid on the Grand Jump, the rich steeplechase at Nakayama in Japan next Easter.
Gary Fennessy, foreman in Melbourne for trainer Tony McEvoy, said the world may be Lance Corporal's oyster if he could maintain his very good record over jumps.
"We have to have a look at a race like the [A. V.] Hiskens [Steeplechase] at Moonee Valley later this month and if he were to win that one would think he would be assured of an invitation to go to Japan next year," Fennessy said.
"He is an excellent jumper and it is only early in his steeplechasing career, at which he is unbeaten."
Jockey Craig Durden, who won his first Grand National Steeplechase yesterday, was keen to canvass connections about the possibility of Lance Corporal running in the Hiskens (3600m) on July 26.
"He is a special fencer," Durden said.
Durden is also in the mix to ride another leading contender for the Hiskens, St Steven, and Lance Corporal's presence will force him to make a choice.
St Steven is a past winner of the Grand Jump at Nakayama, and also ran third in the prestigious race this year.
Fennessy said he was pleased with the way Lance Corporal stuck to his task at his first attempt at 4500 metres.
"He ran the trip out," Fennessy said.
"Craig made use of him at the 800 metres to open up the field and I think that is what won him the race. He jumped well, making only one mistake coming to the home turn when Craig plotted his course to the outside.
"I think the horse thought Craig was going to ease him down.
"When the runner-up came at him over the concluding stages our horse was able to hold him."
Lance Corporal, the $3.50 favourite, won by half a length from outsider Maltese Sea Star ($51) with Crafty Dancer ($4.20) 4 lengths back in third place.
Lance Corporal was bred by part-owner Les Gordon.
The six-year-old has now raced nine times over jumps, all but two of them in hurdle races, for four wins and two placings.
Yesterday's win almost doubled his prizemoney to $265,000.
Rookie jockey Brad McLean nearly scored the highlight of his career on Maltese Sea Star. McLean began riding over the jumps less than 12 months ago and was having only his 25th ride in a race yesterday.
"I didn't give us any chance of catching the winner as we jumped the last but suddenly we were reeling him in," McLean said.
"It was a big thrill to be out there in that race."
Crafty Dancer, like Lance Corporal, may go to the Hiskens, and trainer John Wheeler was not making excuses for last year's Grand National winner's defeat yesterday.
"He got a perfect ride and had all the luck but he didn't win. The winner was too good," Wheeler said.
Sir Ritchie ($7) raced handy throughout but tired in the latter part, knuckling over at the last fence. It was a harmless fall for both horse and rider Tom Hazlett.
This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/05/1057179208130.html
Three year-old of the year Helenus may be looking at a Cox Plate/Japan Cup double in the new season.
Trainer Leon Corstens believes that if all goes well with the horse in his preparation, a trip to Japan for the Japan Cup (Turf) (2400m) on Sunday, November 30 at Tokyo Racecourse is on the cards.
Helenus would carry 57kgs in the Group One (Invitational)474,000,000 Yen (approx AUD$5.9 Million) Cup, and if he doesn't head to Japan, Corstens may well look at an assault on the Caulfield/ Melbourne Cup double.
Either way, Helenus, by HELISSIO (FR) 1993, from WORLDWIDE ELSIE, would add enormous value to his stud prospects if he could include the Japan Cup or the Caulfield/Melbourne Cups on his list of Group victories which so far are :
MRC Caulfield Guineas G1 (1600m)
VRC Victoria Derby G1 (2500m)
STC Rosehill Guineas G1 (2000m)
MVRC AAMI Vase G2 (2040m)
MVRC Bill Stutt Stakes G2 (1600m)
Handy Harry
17-07-2003, 21:00
Japanese eyeing off the Cox Plate
Leading Japanese trainer Kazuo Fujisawa has foreshadowed the first Japanese attack on the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, by indicating that his class galloper Magnaten (USA) may be aimed at the $3,020,000 Carlton Draught Cox Plate.
Fuijsawa has told the Japanese press that Australia's premier weight-for-age event is being considered as an option for his seven-year-old gelding which finished 4th in last year's Japan Cup.
Magnaten is a multiple-Group 2 winner and 2000 metres is considered his ideal distance.
Because he is gelded, Magnaten is ineligible to run in some of Japan's major races so Fujisawa has looked "down under" for a suitable race.
Entries for the Cox Plate close on Friday 1 August.
Racing Victoria News
Ana Marie and Tigertail arrive safely
Two French Fillies aiming at the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (JPN-G1), which will be held at Kyoto Racecourse on November 16, arrived safely in Tokyo yesterday around 19:30.
Ana Marie (FRA), 4-y-o, bay, filly, by Anabaa out of Marie de Ken by Kendor and Tigertail (FRA), 4-y-o, bay, filly, by Priolo out of Tiger Stripes by Prince Rupert, were immediately transported to the quarantine center in Shiroi, Chiba Prefecture.
After they finish the five day quarantine period at Shiroi, they will be transferred to Kyoto Racecourse by horse van.
FIRST NOMINATED HORSES QE11 (http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1106-01.html)
Recently, the performance of Japanese horses has been quite remarkable. Last year, as well, Japanese horses successfully raced overseas, both in Hong Kong and France.
Full article JRA with tables (http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/t40012.html)
Eishin Preston was victorious in the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong. In France, we saw fine performances by two other Japan runners; Telegnosis with a third-place finish at Deauville in the Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1) and Lohengrin with a second-place run in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) at Longchamp.
Back home, Japanese horses have become the ones to beat in many of the locally run international events. With the exception of the win by Fleetstreet Dancer from the United States in last year's Japan Cup Dirt, overseas contenders coming to Japan to compete have had a hard time finishing ahead of the home team.
Many elements have undoubtedly combined to result in the overall improvement of Japan's racehorses. Two, however, both related to the horses' training and the thinking behind competition, stand out in particular.
First, a philosophy that places great value on competition, and on competing with and against the best. Before going abroad to compete first win at home. And, as in the saying, "Competition is the life of all progress," there is an awareness that a tendency to rest on one's laurels, or to neglect new methods and new developments will most likely result in an inevitable decline in performance.
Second, training methods. Though not highly acclaimed in Europe or the United States, training on inclined tracks, hill work, has become a part of the regular training programs of many Japanese trainers.
'High west, low east'
Once again in 2003, Japanese horseracing at the national level felt the "high in the west, low in the east" winds ablow. This does not refer to the weather. "High west, low east" refers to the huge gap between the two JRA training centers, which house some 2,000 horses each.
Conditions at both training centers are said to be the same. And yet, the win ratio between the Ritto Training Center in the west (Kansai) and the Miho Training Center in the east (Kanto) is a lopsided 6 to 4, with Ritto on top. It's a situation that defies explanation, but it's one that has continued for 16 years.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/image/t40012_01.jpg
Miho Training Center
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/image/t40012_02.jpg
Ritto Training Center
table (http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/t40012.html)
Racing in Japan has a history of some 140 years. For much of that history, horses from the eastern region of Kanto dominated the scene. Since 1988, however, as can be seen in Table No. 1, the Kanto horses began to be eclipsed by those from the western region of Kansai.
The gap reached its largest in 1992, when the difference between wins reached 696, a full 20 percent of the total number of races. Afterward, there was a slight narrowing of the gap but a difference of over 300 wins saw the firm establishment of the "high west, low east" phenomenon.
There is an even more remarkable difference to be seen when one looks at the graded races, where prize money is high. If one looks at the wins for both regions over the past four years, one sees the east with from 37 to 43 wins, the west with from 81 to 88 wins, double that of the east.
As this phenomenon has continued for 16 years, it is hardly surprising that fans have come to think of "weak Kanto horses, strong Kansai horses."
This year again, though the year is yet young, sees Kansai-based horses sweeping the stakes races and graded races. It looks like the trend will continue.
The Kanto-Kansai rivalry
Japan is more or less divided into two major areas, Kanto, with Tokyo as its center and Kansai, with Osaka as its center. In recent years, there has been an increasing move toward Tokyo and the gap between the two has increased.
In baseball as well, the Tokyo franchise Yomiuri Giants dominate as the sports elite. Wildly popular, winning for them is practically a given. Over in Kansai is the Osaka franchise Hanshin Tigers. Fans of the two teams enjoy a keen sense of rivalry.
Last year, when the Tigers won the league pennant for the first time in 18 years, it set off a powder keg of emotion throughout Osaka. In an exuberant display of emotion, Osaka fans jumped into the Dotonbori River, a garbage-clogged, filthy body of water snaking through the city center that could only possibly invite the truly most fanatic of fans. Despite police warnings to desist in what has become something of a tradition, some 6,000 people jumped into the river. Unfortunately, there was even one fatality.
Racing fans as well as horsemen and other racing connections are just as passionate in their support. They are also largely divided along the Kanto-Kansai lines, the Tokyo and Nakayama Racecourses in the east and the Kyoto and Hanshin Racecourses in the west.
Commemorating JRA's Golden Jubilee:
Seven trainers inducted into Racing Hall of Fame
This year marks the JRA's Golden Jubilee 50th year anniversary and for the first time, not only horses, but horsemen as well, have been inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. Seven trainers who played major roles in Japan's racing history have been recognized for their contributions.
Of the seven, four of the trainers were based at Tokyo Racecourse and two at Nakayama Racecourse. Only one was from Kansai, based at the Kyoto racetrack.
Modern racing in Japan began some 140 years ago, in 1862. Its center was the Kanto area, more specifically Tokyo Racecourse. As is apparent from the trainers entering the Hall of Fame, Tokyo Racecourse, which hosts the classic Nippon Derby, attracted some of the best in the industry, both human and equine. It's of no surprise that the Kanto horses were the winningest in the country.
Although there are no statistics comparing east and west from earlier years, Table 1 and the numbers from 1985 are a good indication of the way things were.
One retired trainer from the Kansai area remembers. "Years ago, the top-level horses from the east would come to Kansai and clean up. It was very frustrating. Now, you have a lot of Kansai horses going east and racing in low-money stakes races but years ago, you had to have a very good horse to take on the Kanto horses.
"If you want to find a reason for why things changed I'd think you'd have to say it was because of the hill course. That and probably the result of long years of effort in trying to make faster horses."
As in all sports, rivalry adds spice. In Japanese racing as well, the rivalry between east and west has always added a lot to the fun. These days, however, one is more likely to hear the same lament from Kanto fans, "Oh, a Kansai horse has won again."
Tokyo and Osaka differ greatly on an economic scale. Though the turnover for JRA races and the number of fans is far greater in the Kanto area, when the talk turns to who has the superior horses, having to admit it's Kansai makes for boring conversation. Many strongly believe the recent drop in handle is attributable to this "high west, low east" phenomenon.
Difference in prize money
The difference in total prize money going to each training center has surpassed $108 million. Naturally, this is cause for concern among trainers and stable staff as it directly affects their livelihood.
Trainers receive 10 percent of the prize money and at both training centers, each with about 100 trainers, the average earnings per trainer amounted to $271,000 in the east, $374,000 in the west. The average annual difference between the two centers was $103,000, or 28 percent.
Grooms and groom/assistant trainers receive 5 percent of the prize money. In the east average earnings were $15,000 per person a year, in the west $20,000. With over 1,000 such workers, the difference in money going to each respective training center amounts to a considerable sum.
Conditions at both training centers virtually same
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/image/t40012_03.jpg
Hill course at Ritto Training Center
Until some 25 years ago, JRA racehorses trained, not at training centers, but at four of the country's large racecourses. After 1978, and the completion of both training centers, however, the horses were split between east and west.
Today, horses are transported to the racecourses on race day or the previous day but as a rule are required to be stabled at their respective training center. The number of workers at each center, as seen in Table 3, as well as their qualifications and level of ability, are the same. The same goes for the scale and facilities of each center.
The training facilities -- hill course, woodchip track, swimming pool, dirt track, turf track, stables -- are all virtually the same at both training centers. Housing and living facilities for workers, as well, are the same. Also, the economic and social circumstances of the racehorse owners are the same.
JRA trainers are not permitted to own stables outside the training centers. Furthermore, trainers are allocated a maximum of 20 stalls each.
However, each trainer is permitted to accept horses for care from owners to up to three times the number of the trainer's allocated stalls. On the average, the number of registered racehorses is about double the number of stalls at each training center.
Therefore, trainers make use of pre-training farms outside the training centers and ship horses back and forth between such farms and the training base, where horses in race-ready condition are housed.
At present, because of government regulations, increasing the number of races is not an option. The number of stalls at the training centers are limited as well, as are the number of trainers. Those wishing to become trainers must wait until an opening is created by a retiring trainer.
Trainer exams are held every year but the number of people wishing to become trainers far exceeds the number of trainers retiring. The competition is fierce and passing the exam is considered more difficult than getting into Tokyo University, Japan's most prestigious school.
Why then the gap between training centers?
1. Hill course most cited reason
Hill course at Ritto Training Center
The Ritto training center was opened in 1969 and Miho was opened nine years later, in 1978. The hill course at Ritto was completed in 1985. Miho's one was completed in 1993. Kansai horses began improving almost exactly from the time the hill course became regularly incorporated into training at Ritto.
It had long been the unanimous wish of Ritto-based trainers to put an end to Kanto's dominance. For years, a unified effort was made to achieve this aim. Those efforts were coupled with decisive steps by the then Ritto headman, who decided to make use of the natural rolling contours of the backstretch land. 1985 saw the completion of the hill course at Ritto.
In the beginning, people were wary of the new facility and the new-fangled method of training, but time and the progressive, action-oriented thinking the people of Kansai are known for, helped make the course a success. More and more trainers incorporated work up the hill into their training programs. After horses training on the hill course began winning more trainers began using the slopes. This training and the Kansai horses' outstanding performance on the racetracks went hand in hand.
Though common sense dictated that hill work would build muscle and strengthen the heart and lungs it was not known to what degree horses should be worked, how long, how much and on what degree of incline. Without any proper guides or reference materials, hill training was a totally unexplored area. But with time and through trial and error over Ritto's natural contours, the necessary knowhow was acquired.
Seeing Ritto's success, Miho followed suit. But in the eight years it took Miho trainers to do so, the difference between the centers had already been firmly established.
If this were only a temporary gap there would have been little overall effect. But, having continued for so long, the chances of irreversible effects -- owners transferring their horses westward, fewer owners wishing to reinvest in racehorses, a declining quality of horses and an overall demoralization among the stable workers -- are great.
Moreover, if one compares the fact that trainers can freely choose what distance they want to work over on the hill work at Ritto, it becomes evident that geographical conditions also put Miho at a disadvantage. Miho Training Center is built on totally flat land, and the hill course was constructed from dirt that was trucked in. Building costs and space limitations at Miho make it difficult to build a course that would provide sufficient room to train. That and numerous other restrictions have resulted in a less than ideal hill course at Miho, one that has not met with expectations.
2. Difference in quality between Kansai and Kanto horses cited
Many believe the long-running gap between centers is primarily due to a difference in the quality of horses, and that the best horses are now concentrated in Kansai.
One trainer from Ritto says, "The Kansai trainers are able to bring out the best in their horses and get the best results. Everything is done well, from the amount of work the horses are put through to the feeding. The horses are very well cared for. And, as a result, the trainers have won the trust of the owners, who bring them good horses. It's these efforts and the trainers' reputation that have given them the advantage and that's not something that is going to change quickly."
He adds, "in Kanto, you have the likes of the perennial leading trainer, Kazuo Fujisawa. He too enjoys tremendous owner support and has created the likes of a 'Fujisawa brand.' That has resulted in a continuing cycle of success.
"There are many trainers at Miho, who like Fujisawa, are doing a great job. But when one looks at the whole, there are also huge differences between the trainers. I think the east-west gap will continue to hold for quite a while," the trainer says.
One owner had this to say. "The Kansai trainers are hard workers, very active. If you look at the effort they put into their business and how well they care for their horses you're bound to want to bring your best horses to them."
3. Exercise riders another reason for Kansai superiority
In Kansai, the system of using "mochinori," grooms who double as exercise riders was quickly adopted, and some believe Kansai horses are thus able to receive more exercise than the horses in Kanto do. This too is seen as a reason for the Kansai dominance.
As can be seen in Table No. 3, there is a large difference in the numbers of assistant trainers and grooms at the two training centers.
Assistant trainers are not wholly responsible for the horse's training, grooms don't ride but only feed and care for the horses. Mochinori are also responsible for two horses, as are grooms, but do the work of both assistant trainers and grooms.
Fundamentally, the Miho-Ritto difference is a labor-management one. Kanto trainers, conservative and resistant to change, did not take well to the new mochinori system.
In short, the liberal thinking and a priority placed on profit resulted in Kansai's demand for mochinori riders, a system that is mutually beneficial to labor and management.
4. Other reasons
There are some people who believe the reasons for the disparity between the two training centers is linked to Miho's poor water quality, its geographical disadvantages and the hill course.
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/news/jcd/Admire-Don.jpg
Japan’s leading dirt campaigner, Admire Don, has been confirmed as a challenger in next month’s US$6,000,000 Dubai World Cup (Gr.I), sponsored by Emirates Airline.
The worlds’ richest race is run over 2,000 metres at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai on Saturday. March 27th.
Trained by Hiroyoshi Matsuda the son of Timber Country was a half length winner of the February Stakes (Gr.I) over 1,600 metres on the Tokyo dirt course four days ago. The five-year-olds’ previous run came when finishing a nose behind Americas’ Fleetstreet Dancer in the Japan Cup Dirt (Gr.I) over 2,100 metres in November.
Admire Don may well line up once again against the Doug O’Neill-trained Fleetstreet Dancer in the Dubai World Cup.
The Dubai World Cup meeting is the culmination of the inaugural US$21,000,000 Dubai International Racing Carnival, which has seen nine weeks of top calibre racing at Nad Al Sheba.
Other Japanese raiders targeting Dubai are Admire Hope, trained by Mitsuru Hashida, who will run in the 1,800 metres UAE Derby (Gr.II). Hitoshi Nakamura’s Meiner Select will take his place in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (Gr.I), sponsored by Gulf News over the straight 1,200 metres.
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February Stakes punters Admire Don
Yomiuri Shimbun
Favorite Admire Don took home the first Grade 1 title of the year, winning the February Stakes on Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse.
Five-year-old Admire Don bounced back from a tough loss at the Japan Cup Dirt to win the dirt mile race by half-a-length over Silent Deal in 1 minute 36.8 seconds.
Sterling Rose was third, a neck behind Silent Deal.
Jockey Katsumi Ando was glad he came through with the overwhelming backing his mount had received. Admire Don returned 130 yen to win.
"I just feel relieved to have won because of all the support he had," said Ando, who won his third G1 medal.
Admire Don will run in the Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on March 27, the richest race in the world with a first-place check of 3.6 million dollars.
Said Ando: "He's become very stable, mentally. I hope we can put on a similar performance in Dubai."
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/special/narg2003/image/nar_08.jpg
Hatano Adonis grabbed the lead out of the starting blocks, with second favorite Utopia right on his tail. Admire Don was three lengths off the pace.
Admire Don, who lost by a nose to American gelding Fleetstreet Dancer at the Japan Cup Dirt in November, had Ando worried along the back stretch because the horse appeared too calm.
"He was quiet, almost too quiet," Ando said.
Heading into the final straight, Admire Don was eight horses behind the frontrunner, and to the outside. Admire Don past them all with a strong closing rush, even holding off Silent Deal who flew down the inside lane to secure second.
The Hiroyoshi Matsuda-trained Admire Don has eight victories in 16 career starts. He became the fourth horse everto win a G1 race on both turf and dirt.horse racing
february stakes
(At Tokyo Racecourse)
1. Admire Don (Ando) yen130 110 yen
@:2. Silent Deal (Peslier) 200 yen
3. Sterling Rose (Fukunaga) 500 yen
Quinella--Bracket: 1-5, 520 yen; Post: 1-10, 570 yen. Exacta: 10-1, 710 yen. Wide Post: 1-10, 310 yen, 1-15, 3,040 yen, 10-15, 890 yen. Trio: 1-10-15, 4,920 yen.
Index 2004.06.27 2004.06.27
THE 45TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (G1)
Sunday, June 27, 2004
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RESULT OF THE 45TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (G1)
Tap Dance City
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/takarazuka/news/04takarazuka01.jpg
This year's TAKARAZUKA KINEN, which was contended by a strong field including 14 grade race winners out of 15 runners, was won by top favorite TAP DANCE CITY partnered with Tetsuzo Sato. Second place went to 6th pick SILK FAMOUS followed by 3rd choice LINCOLN.
The race started off with frontrunner LOHENGRIN taking the lead, followed by HOT SECRET in second with TAP DANCE CITY right behind on the outside. The field stretched wide apart into a long line with LOHENGRIN taking a big lead through the first two corners. However, making an early move in the backstretch, TAP DANCE CITY closed in on the frontrunner and took the lead just before the 3rd corner. SILK FAMOUS, who had settled in 4th position, also edged up to second position through the 3rd corner. TAP DANCE CITY, maintaining the lead in the homestretch, fended off the challenge of SILK FAMOUS from the outside and widened the gap instead to reach the wire 2 lengths in front. Settling LINCOLN 6th from the rear, Yutaka Take - who had claimed his 100th win of this season just yesterday - steered his colt to the outside through the 3rd corner, surged forward from far wide in the homestretch and overtook 2nd favorite ZENNO ROB ROY just before the wire to finish 3rd.
TAP DANCE CITY, the winner of last year's JAPAN CUP, claimed his sixth grade race win (two G1, three G2 and one G3 races) in this race, and will challenge the L'Arc de Triomphe in France this fall.
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© 2003 Japan Racing Association.
All rights reserved.
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/takarazuka/040627.html
Handy Harry
16-08-2004, 09:40
The International Thoroughbred Classifications Conference is held in Japan
-Classifications for the First Half of 2004-
The "Intercontinental Thoroughbred Classifications (ITC) Conference" was held at the Hanshin Racecourse over three days from June 28th, 2004. Discussions included the ratings of racehorses from all over the world that have run during the first half of this year (January 1st to June 30th). Besides the leading Asia-Oceania, regions that comprise the ITC (Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore), handicappers from three other countries (France, the UK and the USA), also attended the Conference. The Conference met to classify racehorses and discuss ratings for horses that had gained a rating of 115 pounds or more.
Until now, there has been a half-year time-lag between the ITC and the International Classifications by leading horseracing countries in the Northern Hemisphere, owing to differences in the respective racing seasons. This was a factor that hindered attempts to compare and harmonize ratings. At this year's ITC Conference, however, European and American races and horses were also included for the first time and the scope of targeted races was restricted to the first half of 2004 only. The Classifications were expanded to a global scale for the first time by adopting this method. Moreover, since the word "Classifications" is not commonly used in Europe and the USA, the Committee plans to change the name to "rankings" in future instead. This is a term that will be more easily understood around the world.
Among the Japanese-trained horses discussed this time, Takarazuka Kinen (G1, 2,200m, turf) winner Tap Dance City (JPN) led the Japan Classifications for the first half with 120 pounds. Although falling short of his evaluation of 123 pounds after last year's Japan Cup (G1, 2400m, turf), this is the fourth highest for the first half of this year in the world's long distance races and is the top rating in Asia-Oceania.
Also looking at the Classifications for 4-Y-Os and Up, in turf races, the Yasuda Kinen (G1, 1,600m, turf) winner, Tsurumaru Boy (JPN) was the second ranked Japanese-trained horse with 117 pounds. As an international race, the Yasuda Kinen has a history in Japan, second only to the Japan Cup.
But it was only in the current year that it gained international G1 status, along with the Mile Championship (G1, 1,600m, turf). These two races will undoubtedly gain much higher international profiles as high-level mile races in the future.
Yasuda Kinen runner-up Telegnosis (JPN), Takarazuka Kinen runner-up Silk Famous (JPN) and Ingrandire (JPN), winner of the Tenno Sho Spring (Japan G1, 3,200m, turf), were all ranked at 116 pounds in respectively different distance categories. Among sprint runners, Sunningdale (JPN), winner of the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1, 1,200m, turf), followed these with an evaluation of 115 pounds. Two 4-Y-O's that had shone in the Takarazuka Kinen, Lincoln (JPN) and Zenno Rob Roy (JPN), also stood at 115 pounds.
In dirt races, February Stakes (Japan G1, 1,600m, dirt) winner Admire Don won the top evaluation at 115 pounds. Meiner Select (JPN), easy winner of the Garnet Stakes (Japan G1, 1,200m, dirt), followed with 114 pounds. He was followed by February Stakes runner-up Silent Deal (JPN) with 113 pounds. Also at 113 pounds were Esprit Thes (JPN), winner of the Kawasaki Kinen (Japan G1, 2,100m, dirt) and Nike A Delight (JPN), runner up in the Teio Sho (Japan G1, 2,000m, dirt). These two were also the top-rated horses from Local Government racing in Japan.
The 3-Y-O's category was led by King Kamehameha (JPN), winner of both the NHK Mile (Japan G1, 1,600m, turf) and the Japanese Derby (Japan G1, 2,400m, turf), with a rating of 117 pounds for both of these G1 races. This proves that the horse's considerable performance in both the mile and long distance categories has been recognized. Compared with the ratings of Derby horses in other countries, this falls short of those in Ireland and the United Kingdom, but this is the same evaluation given to the French Derby winner Blue Canary. It is also, of course, the top rating for 3-Y-O's in Asia-Oceania.
Next came Satsuki Sho (Japan G1, 2,000m, turf) winner Daiwa Major (JPN) with 114 pounds, joined at 114 pounds by the Derby runner-up, Heart's Cry (JPN). Cosmo Bulk (JPN), a horse that was prominent in the classic races in the first half of this year, was evaluated at 112 pounds, 4th in this age group. The top 3-Y-O filly was Dance In The Mood (JPN) at 111 pounds.
As we move from summer to autumn racing, we are now heading for the second half of our racing year. During this time in Japan, as well as, in the rest of the world, G1 races hotly contested by top class horses will doubtless rise to ever higher levels.
Whatever the stage, we will be treated to top quality racing to reward the reverent and loyal support of the racing fans.
by Kenichi Nomoto
Reporter for the Nihon Keizai Shimbun
Forecast of Japanese Economy
The Japanese economy in the first half of 2004 has started to show signs of a recovery, with healthy exports supported by upturns in the USA and China. The GDP growth rate in the first three months was 1.4%, which would convert to an annual rate of 5.6%. In April, the full unemployment rate was 4.7%, an apparent improvement from the 5% range that had prevailed for some time. However, the recovery in corporate performance has not spread sufficiently to the residential sector and we are approaching a situation similar to the "jobless recovery" being advocated in America. The future state of the economy is likely to be affected by the degree of recovery in consumer spending, and by trends in the US, where they are waiting for the right time to raise interest rates.
Amendment of Horseracing Law
Given these circumstances, the JRA's pari-mutuel handle is currently down by 2-3% compared to the previous year. The turnover on the day of the Japanese Derby (May 30th) was down by 2.6% compared to the previous year. Certainly, this is an improvement compared to the pace of decline between 1998 and last year. Nevertheless, the situation remains severe. In the second half of 2004, "Trifecta" betting (hitting the first three finishers in correct order) is to be introduced on a pilot basis in the Sapporo meeting in August, and will then fully introduced in all JRA race meeting from the autumn season onwards. For the time being, it will be limited to 4 races per day, and the high dividends are attracting interest. On the other hand, winners will be few in number.
This is expected to have a negative impact on cash flow, and it is difficult to predict the effect on turnover. As a major movement affecting the industry as a whole, one may cite the first amendment to the Horseracing Law since 1991. At the time of writing, the Amendment Bill has already been passed by the House of Representatives, and sent to the House of Councilors, where it is likely to be passed in the second week of June. The aim of the Amendment is to promote stronger ties between race organizers located in neighboring and other areas, thereby addressing difficulties in the management of municipal racecourses by local authorities.
It also aims to support these collaborating organizers in their attempts to increase revenues, through JRA's contributions. Meanwhile, a major change that directly affects the JRA is the revival of "daily double" betting. Until the beginning of the 1960s, this type of betting had been accepted, limiting to morning races. However, it was stopped in 1961 in line with restrictions on betting methods, following a spate of disorderly incidents in other publicly gambling sports. Another change is that, while "students, pupils or minors" were not permitted to bet, after the Amendment the restriction will be simplified to "minors" only. The reason for this is that age can no longer be equated with social standing, as illustrated by the increasing trend for working adults to enroll as university students.
Now, let us review JRA races in the first half of 2004, mainly focusing on GI races. 3-year old colts: In classic races, horses linked to Mr. Shigeyuki Okada (involved in large-scale breeding and training operations in Hidaka, Hokkaido) were particularly prominent. The Kyodo News Service Hai (GIII) and the Kisaragi Sho (NHK Sho) (GIII), were won by Meiner Dupre and Meiner Brook [by Star of Cozzene (USA)]. Then, in March, the Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho (Nakayama, GII), the most important step race for the top classic race, the Satsuki Sho [Japanese 2000 Guineas (GI)], was won by Cosmo Bulk [by Zagreb (USA)], affiliated to the Hokkaido Racing.
With the addition of Cosmo Sunbeam (by Zagreb), last year's Best Two-Year-Old Colt, Okada has amassed a powerful lineup. Okada has discovered some highly capable horses at relatively low prices, and has produced many top horses using a harsh regime to build them up. In particular, Cosmo Bulk was the first horse trained under the "Open Stable" system newly introduced by Hokkaido Racing. Under the old system, horses preparing for a race must return to the trainers' stables at the training facility provided by the horse racing operator for a period of 10~15 days before a race. But under the new system, certain privately owned training farms meeting strict standards for track size, facilities and hygiene have been approved as "outside" training facilities.
Cosmo Bulk's daily training is carried out at such a farm run by Mr. Okada. After 2 wins and 2 second-places out of 4 starts in Hokkaido, he entered JRA races. He won 3 races in succession including GII and GIII, and became the prevalent favorite to win the Satsuki Sho.
Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas): Daiwa Major
Daiwa el Cielo (by Sunday Silence) and jockey Yuichi Fukunaga clinched the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks,GI).
Conversely, horses sired by Sunday Silence (USA), which have exited our classic races on a yearly basis, had some time to recharge for a smash hit this year. Even so, they still dominated the leading places in the two step races held in the 3rd week of March, and a historical record of 8 horses sired by Sunday Silence took part in the Satsuki Sho (GI).
In the race, Meisho Bowler [by Taiki Shuttle (USA)] took an early lead, but Daiwa Major (by Sunday Silence, out of Scarlet Bouquet), ridden by Mirco Demuro coming up in second place, overtook him on the straight, winning the race despite a frantic chase by Cosmo Bulk. This was Demuro's second straight win in the Satuki Sho following his victory on Neo Universe (by Sunday Silence) last year.
Japanese Derby: King Kamehameha
In the event, the Derby was held a surprisingly frantic pace, and Cosmo Bulk, which had taken and early lead, lost ground to finish in the 8th place. King Kamehameha [by Kingmambo (USA), out of Manfath (IRE), by Last Tycoon (IRE), bred in Hayakita, Hokkaido in 2001] came up on the outside of the pack to show a clean pair of heels and win with ease. With this, he became the first horse ever to win the "alternative double crown" of the NHK Mile Cup (GI) and the Japanese Derby.
In 2nd place was Heart's Cry [by Sunday Silence, out of Irish Dance (IRE), by Tony Bin (IRE), bred in Chitose, Hokkaido in 2001] and in 3rd place Higher Game [by Sunday Silence, out of Fanjica (IRE), by Law Society (USA) bred in Chitose, Hokkaido in 2001], with the Satsuki Sho winner Daiwa Major [by Sunday Silence, out of Scarlet Bouquet, by Northern Taste (CAN), bred in Chitose, Hokkaido in 2001] finishing 6th. Horses sired by Sunday Silence filled 2nd to 7th places. King Kamehameha's half-brother is The Deputy (IRE). His auction price as a yearling was 78 million yen.
3-Year-Old Filly: Dance in the Mood
Although last year's Best Two-Year-Old Filly was Yamanin Sucre (by Tokai Teio), others have been catching up in strength, and some tough battles were anticipated. At the Oka Sho, Dance in the Mood [by Sunday Silence, out of Dancing Key (USA), by Nijinsky (CAN) in Chitose, Hokkaido in 2001] was the pre-race favorite, and took a good position with Yutaka Take as her rider. She took the lead early on the straight, and won the race a comfortable 2 lengths ahead of Azuma Sanders (also by Sunday Silence; took 2nd place at the Tulip Sho).
This was the first victory in 18 years by a horse from the Miho Training Center, JRA's facility in eastern Japan, since Mejiro Ramone in 1986. Oddly, her trainer Kazuo Fujisawa, who had recorded the most race wins in Japan for 9 successive years up to last year (and 10 times in all), had never won a classic race-dubbed one. This Oka Sho win was his first classic victory, and his 17th in GI races.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/library/journal/v12n3/photo_02.jpg
[B]Daiwa el Cielo (by Sunday Silence) and jockey Yuichi Fukunaga clinched the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks,GI).
Japanese Oaks: Daiwa el Cielo
For the following Yushun Himba [The Japanese Oaks (GI)], Dance in the Mood was strongly tipped her double crown, and she gathered overwhelming support with more than 50% of bets to win the race. On the day, however, she started with a 14kg weight gain, failed to accelerate on the straight and finished in a shocking 4th place. Daiwa el Cielo , which had led from the 2nd corner, pulled away, while Sweep Tosho accelerated from the inside on the straight to finish 2nd. The horses that finished in 7th and 5th places in the Oka Sho had reversed their positions. In February, Daiwa el Cielo had won the Daily Hai Queen Cup (Tokyo, GIII). Her mare, London Bridge [by Dr Devious (IRE)] finished 2nd in the 1998 Oka Sho.
Middle-to Long-Distance: Ingrandire
Ingrandire (by White Muzzle (GB)), winner of the Tenno Sho (Spring, 3,200m, GI) traveled alone and dashed for the winning post.
The principal focus was the group of 4-year-olds that finished strongly in last year's classics. These 4-year-olds made a fairly good start in the important preludes to the ultimate target, the Tenno Sho (Spring) (GI). First, the Hanshin Daishoten (GII) was won by Lincoln (by Sunday Silence), with That's the Plenty (by Dance in the Dark) in 2nd place. The horses that finished 1st and 2nd in last year's Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) (GI) had simply changed places. In the Nikkei Sho (GII), Zenno Rob Roy (by Sunday Silence), which came 2nd in last year's Japanese Derby, started well. But he allowed Win Generale (by Tamamo Cross) to override, and finished in 2nd place.
The last candidate to appear, the winner of two legs of triple crown races last year, Neo Universe (by Sunday Silence), took the Sankei Osaka Hai (GII) by a head, and salvaged some honor with his first win since last year's Japanese Derby. But the race itself ended surprisingly. The 13th favorite, slim chance to win, Ingrandire [by White Muzzle (GB), 5-year-old horse] left the rest of the field way behind and, aided by the sluggishness of the other horses, stormed to victory by a full 7 length. Ingrandire had already won successive GIII and GII races last spring, and was attracting interest.
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[B]Ingrandire (by White Muzzle (GB)), winner of the Tenno Sho (Spring, 3,200m, GI) traveled alone and dashed for the winning post.
Dirt & Short-Distance: Admire Don & Sunningdale
In dirt races, the main attention was Admire Don [by Timber Country (USA), horse, in 1999], Best Dirt Horse in last year's JRA Awards. He was also the favorite in this year's first GI race, the February Stakes (Tokyo, GI), which he won by breaking through the pack on the straight. This horse, together with 2nd placed Silent Deal (by Sunday Silence), and Regent Bluff took part in the 9th Dubai World Cup (Int'l GI) in Dubai, UAE, at the end of March.
However, the best finisher among them was Admire Don in 8th place, a miserable showing that clearly underlines the gap between foreign and Japanese horses in this category. In short-distance races, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (GI), held some 11 horses after the Dubai World Cup, was won by Sunningdale [by Warning (GB), horse, in 1999], taking his first GI title. Durandal [by Sunday Silence, horse, in 1999], winner of two short-distance crowns [the Sprinters Stakes (GI) and the Mile Championship (GI)] last autumn, gave chase but could only finish 2nd.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/journal/v12n3/main.html
Dual Group 1 winner Super Elegant has been selected to represent Oceania in a special $2 million Group 1 invitation weight-for-age sprint in Tokyo on October 3.
JRA officials today formally invited the seven-year-old for the Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama, one of the richest sprints in the world.
The field is limited to 16 starters – including four from overseas.
The race, worth more than $1 million to the winner, is being held as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Japan Racing Association.
Second prize is about $430,000 and third about $270,000, with prizemoney being paid down to eighth place, which alone is worth in excess of $60,000.
The other international runners will be invited from Europe, America and Asia.
Super Elegant, trained by Tony Vasil at Caulfield, has earned just under $1.5 million in 49 runs which have yielded 14 wins, five seconds and six thirds.
His Group 1 successes occurred last campaign when he became the first horse to win the Goodwood Handicap-Doomben Ten Thousand double.
Vasil described the invitation as the “chance of a lifetime”.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the international reputation of Australian sprinters,” Vasil said.
“I am honoured the horse has been selected.”
The Australian representative for the JRA, Mr Keitaro Matsushita, said he was confident that Super Elegant would acquit himself well and would be a worthy representative for the region.
Handy Harry
05-10-2004, 21:12
Oughton pleased with Hope's third
ALAN AITKEN
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http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/news/images/lead20041004a.jpg
Cape Of Good Hope and Brett Prebble go down to the start for the Sprinters' Stakes, where they finished an unlucky third. Picture by HKJC
Wretched weather and a slippery Nakayama track surface were enough to stop Hong Kong's Cape Of Good Hope winning the Sprinters' Stakes yesterday, but not from running a brave and unlucky third in the race in Japan.
The rain which had hung around Tokyo much of the week returned on race day to frustrate trainer David Oughton and jockey Brett Prebble as Cape Of Good Hope slipped and slid into the minor placing behind runaway local speedster Calstone Light O and favourite Durandal.
Cape Of Good Hope looked to be travelling all right in the middle of the field rounding the home turn before finding a wall of horses in front of him right on the point of the corner.
As Cape Of Good Hope came to a stop, Duradal swooped around the outside to get past him and into second.
"I was stuck and there was no where to go," Prebble said. "I should have run second. If I had a perfect run I would have tested the winner.
"I don't know if I would have beaten him but I would have tested him. And if the ground had been better he would have run very, very competitively."
Contrary to the usual pattern of the top Japanese sprints, there was little contest for the front early, with Calstone Light O going through to take the lead alone without spending a great deal then dictating the tempo to suit himself. He was high-flying on the bend and shot eight lengths clear into the short straight before his margin was cut back to four lengths at the wire.
"We're very pleased to finish third because he was running in conditions he doesn't like," Oughton said, admitting that he had been very worried when the ground had deteriorated again after having improved during Friday and Saturday. "If it had been run on Saturday, I think we might have seen a different result. I think he appreciated the hill at the finish, actually.
When he hit that he started to make ground. He was floundering around the turn, going nowhere at the bottom of the hill and but when he hit the rising ground he started to cruise."
Prebble said Oughton's pre-race instructions had been specific and centred on the state of the ground.
"David stressed to me to get the horse comfortable on the surface - to have him anywhere in the race so long as he is comfortable," Prebble explained.
"He told me that as long as Cape Of Good Hope was comfortable he would give me what he had and the horse has run pretty much to those words."
Cape Of Good Hope earned almost $1.7 million for his minor placing, and fared much better than the other foreign visitors.
The English sprinters Ashdown Express and Fayr Jag had both selected the race as their overseas target in expectation of firm going, but finished 13th and last in the field of 16 in the adverse conditions.
SCMP
From: InJapan5 Sent: 10/11/2004 2:25 AM
The QE2 is this weekend, the Mile is the weekend after. The QE2 will be rough, the Mile will be Rakti vs. Durandal....
Ratings and International Classification
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by Masahiro Matsuo
Chief of Staff, International General Planning Section
International Department, The Japan Racing Association
The "Intercontinental Thoroughbred Classifications (ITC) Conference", a gathering of the world's leading handicappers to classify racehorses, was held at Hanshin Racecourse from June 27th to 30th.
In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in ratings and international classification. Therefore, as well as reporting on the ITC Conference, I will now give a brief introduction to ratings and international classification.
Ratings
Ratings are internationally accepted indicators that show a horse's racing ability on a scale of 0 to 140 pounds. They have been devised to facilitate an objective comparison of horses' ability between countries that have different prize money standards. Each horse's rating is calculated using a fixed formula based on the race distance, weight carried, and the finishing margin for each race. Of course, the progress of the race, running time, and opponents are also taken into account. In any case, the important thing is that all handicappers must take account of the same judgments and criteria.
Once the ability of individual horses can be compared using ratings, the level of a race can be gauged by comparing the horses competing in it. This makes it possible to apply commonly agreed and internationally accepted grades differing from those independently formulated by race promoters.
Race ratings are calculated from the average rating of the top four horses taking part in a race.
The History of International Classification
International classification first started in 1977, when horses with given ratings of 120 pounds or more were announced by Britain, France and Ireland.
In 1985, races held in Germany and Italy were added. In 1986, the threshold for announcement was lowered to 110 pounds while the distances were divided into 5 categories (Sprint, Mile, Intermediate, Long, Extended = SMILE).
In North America, meanwhile, the need for a rating system similar to that in Europe arose from the early 1980s, when many European horses started to take part in North American racing following the inauguration of the Arlington Million. At the time, many European horses were transferred to stables in North America due to increased participation in North American races. This also provided grounds on which to set standards for comparing horses' ability.
North American handicappers started attending international classification conferences in 1990. In 1991, an agreement was reached on standardizing European and American classifications by 1995. It was in 1995 that today's international classification became a reality.
In Japan, for 33 years until 1994, thoroughbred classifications were announced by racing associations in the form of "free handicaps". The work of standardizing these with global ratings was started in 1995, and in 1997 the system of ratings was introduced.
Purpose of International Classification
The primary purpose of international classification is to analyze racing performance for each distance on turf and dirt, and to identify internationally superior horses. Horses with a rating of 115 or more are listed and announced in January of the following year.
The second purpose is to provide basic data for classifying big prize races. The rule is that the average of the top four horses must be at least 115 pounds for international GI races, at least 110 pounds for international GII races, and at least 105 pounds for international GIII races.
The third purpose is to provide data for judging broodmares. And the fourth purpose is to apply rankings when selecting horses to compete in international races. These ratings are referred to when selecting racehorses not only for the Japan Cup and Japan Cup Dirt, but also for overseas events like the Dubai World Cup, the Breeders Cup, Hong Kong international races, and so on. In future, we plan to announce the top-ranked horses several times a year on our website, in the form of world rankings, with the aim of bringing the sport of horseracing even closer to its fans.
International Classifications Committee
Today, international classifications are decided by the International Classifications Committee (ICC), an organization under the aegis of "International Race Planning Authorities Committee (IRPAC)". The IRPAC discusses international classification and programs within the "International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)", a gathering of the world's horseracing bodies. The ratings of horses around the world are decided at meetings of this ICC.
Voting rights at the Conference are held by a total of nine countries - three from Europe (Britain, France and Ireland), three from America (USA, Canada and Argentina), and three from Asia-Oceania (Japan, Hong Kong and Australia).
Intercontinental Thoroughbred Classifications Conference
The ITC Conference decides classifications of racehorses for the Asian Racing Federation (ARF), which is affiliated to the ICC within the IFHA (known as the "Paris Conference").
As well as providing classifications for leading horses in the northern hemisphere Asian zone for the first half-year (January-June of the year in question), it also summarizes classifications for leading horses in the southern hemisphere for the whole season (from July of the previous year to June).
The purpose of this Conference is to enhance the evaluation of racehorses in the Asian zone, and thereby to aim for further development of Asian horseracing. It was set up in 2001, and this is the 4th Conference. The 1st (2001) and 2nd (2002) Conferences were held in Singapore (Kranji Racecourse), and the 3rd (2003) in South Africa (Durban Racecourse).
Its members are the seven principal members of ARF (Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Dubai, New Zealand, South Africa and Japan). From time to time the Conference is also attended by five European countries (Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy) and two North American countries (USA, Canada).
2004 ITC Conference in Osaka
Decisions made at this latest ITC Conference include the following: Firstly, a change in the rating period.
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The world leading handicappers met together in ITC Conference at Hanshin Racecourse from June 27 to 30, 2004.
At previous ITC Conferences, yearly ratings up to July were decided to coincide with the racing season in the southern hemisphere. However, this frequently led to confusion in deciding the ratings of horses trained in the northern hemisphere that were raced by ARF members in the southern hemisphere calendar (particularly Hong Kong).
Therefore, the rating period was changed to half-yearly rating. Horses of at least 115 pounds that had raced in various countries between January and the end of June this year were discussed and their ratings decided.
This change is due to be tabled at the Paris Conference in October, together with a change in the name of international classification, and approved by IRPAC.
The second is to create world rankings and publish them on websites. In conjunction with the change in the rating period, it was proposed that world rankings be newly created. The reason for this was that the concept of "rating" is difficult for media and fans to understand, and that it should be replaced with the concept of "ranking", as in tennis and other sports.
The proposed new name would be World Racehorse Ranking (WRR), and this is also to be tabled at the Paris Conference. It was also decided that, together with this ranking, the top ten horses in each country and a list of GI winners would be published on the IFHA website.
It was confirmed that these changes would be made before the world-series races, and would be used to promote global horseracing.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/journal/v12n4/main.html
High-school students raise a winner
A 3-year-old colt by the name of Yume Roman captured his debut run at Tokyo Feb. 13 and with it the hearts of many.
The Hokkaido-bred Yume Roman, or "Dreams and Romance," is reported to be the first horse running for the Japan Racing Association that was bred and raised by high-school students, namely those of the Hokkaido Shizunai Agriculture High School.
Owned by Harumi Tanaka (father of the winning jockey) and trained by the Miho-based Yoshitada Munakata, the Generous (Ire) colt out of the Amber Shadai mare Sakura Tokimeki went off as race fourth pick in Tokyo's sixth race on the Sunday card.
Yume Roman, with Katsuharu Tanaka up, rounded the final bend four from the front, then accelerated up the outside to top the field of 12 by a half length over Meiner Hound (Mayano Top Gun, Mejiro Spaniel by Golden Pheasant (USA)) and a full two and a half lengths over third-place finisher Yamanin Vanguard in a time of 1 minute 50.9 seconds over firm turf. The 1,800-meter turf race carried a top prize of 7 million yen.
It was a victory not only for the little man but for the hopes and dreams of youth. Though numerous college groups have bred racehorses before this was the first to be bred and raced by a high school. Members of the animal husbandry department of the Shizunai school began breeding projects in 2000. Yume Roman was the third Thoroughbred to be bred at the school, but the first to make it to the racetrack. Cared for solely by the club members, he was sold as a yearling for 2.62 million yen at the Hokkaido Summer Sale in Shizunai in July of 2003.
Yuta Taneda accepted the breeder's prize of 590,000 yen at Tokyo Racecourse Feb. 13. Taneda, who had cared for the colt, was meeting him for the first time in a year and a half. The Hokkaido Shizunai Agriculture High School alumni said he recognized the horse immediately, "but I don't know if he knew me though. He's filled out and looks like a real racehorse now. I can't believe he's won," the 19-year-old Taneda said with excitement.
"He's the first to run in JRA race. It's like a dream." Taneda said the colt was initially named Sakura Roman but was later registered as Yume Roman because, "he was entrusted with the dreams of everyone at the school." A heavy burden indeed, Yume Roman carried it well for his debut. Dreams of the classics are just around the bend.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/t50009.html
YEN FOR MORE: Anyone with a good horse and a yen for big prizemoney should look at Japan. Once Japanese racing, with the exception of the Japan Cup, was a closed shop to other nationalities.
From eight events open to outside competition in 2004, there are now 60, with the smallest prize being $570,000 up to the Japan Cup at $5,950,000. There are plenty of $2 million-plus events.
The move is seen as an attempt to rectify the diminishing popularity of Japanese racing due to the increased profile of Dubai and Hong Kong.
smh
Perhaps they could let us have a bet there (on account) (via the net) also - if they are serious
Amazing how the racing authorities think it is just the horses which develop the interest
No stopping Yutaka Take -Early April sees wins already at 72-
Yutaka Take continues to bag the wins.
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On March 27, he notched the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, giving him his first Grade 1 win of the year.
Drawing the far outside No. 18 post position failed to prove an obstacle for Take, despite the generally accepted "rule" that a high draw in a sprint at Nagoya's Chukyo Racecourse is sure to put one at a disadvantage. Keeping to an outside course means covering extra ground. Nevertheless, though Admire Max was No. 18 in the 18-strong field, Take kept him on an outside course.
The reason -- "rough going." A month of racing with everyone looking to save ground by aiming for an inside course had done its damage. Rain had also adversely affected the going. Take's decision turned out to be a good one as the 6-year-old Admire Max beat out his struggling rivals for a decisive win by 2 1/2 lengths.
Take is known for making the best of the conditions and the best of the split-second decisions. "Genius" is a word often used to describe him, but his real secret lies in hard work and study.
Take's first win of a top-level race came in 1988, two years after his riding debut, and, ever since, Take has managed to win at least one Grade 1 race each year. Over these past 18 years, Take has rewritten the record books, boosting his G1 cumulative score to 46.
This year marked Take's second win of the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. His first win came in 1996, after the race had been elevated to Grade 1 status. Of the 21 Grade 1 JRA races, Take has won all but two, the Mile Championship and the Asahi Hai Futurity States.
Already, as of April 11, Take has notched 72 wins this year. He is making the winner's circle at a higher pace than the year he marked a record total 211 wins for the year. At this rate, it is highly possible he will be able to surpass 250 wins for the year, an outstanding feat in light of the fact that JRA races are held only twice a week on Saturdays and Sundays.
Fuji Television and Sky Perfect TV have launched a new racing program as of April on their sports news channel, "Fuji TV 739". Featuring Yutaka Take in his first regular program will be "Take Yutaka TV." The program hopes to bring, with the help of the wildly popular rider, the thrill and attraction of racing to viewers.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/topics/t50017.html
http://www.jockeysroom.com/YutakaTake.jpg
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Stallions rule in gelding-shy japan
ON THE RAILS, with ALAN AITKEN
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One of the curiosities of Japanese racing which would surprise Hong Kong people in particular is the number of geldings.
In a racing scene with just under 8,000 horses in training, and over 60 per cent of them male, less than 300 of the runners there are geldings.
With the enormous money available for stallions, doubtless every owner - and many of the horses are run under stud-farm ownerships - is hoping to find the next big horse there and still have him intact for that residual value.
Other aspects of a day at the races in Tokyo which leave an impression are the jockeys running through the paddock to mount their horses - looking to all intents and purposes like a game of musical chairs for a better ride - and the (almost) cult status of the starter.
When ready for the entrants to go into the stalls, the starter rises skyward on a mechanical lift and raises a red flag - cheered and mimicked in his actions by Sunday's crowd of over 75,000 for events large and small alike.
http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/news/news20050608f.asp
Evolution of Strategies Used to Stop Illegal Internet Gambling
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By Kenji Kominami D.V.M.
Executive Councillor for Foreign Affairs,
Japan Racing Association
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/journal/v13n2/main.html
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/journal/v13n2/image/j13021_06.jpg
Current Situation Regarding "3U" Gambling
Since 2000, the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) have noted the serious threat posed by illegal Internet gambling. Notably, Henry S.K. Chan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's executive director for betting, referred to unlawful online wagering as "3U" gambling (unlimited, unregulated, and uncontrolled) at the Business Session on Wagering during the 2001 Asian Racing Conference in Bangkok. He went on to note that, "3U gambling presents a negative scenario with far-reaching social, ethical, political and financial implications," requiring the racing fraternity's united efforts to overcome this threat. Could it be that the bluntly-expressed business rule he envisioned -- "what's mine is mine, what's yours is mine, too" -- now predominates? I do not think so. Countries around the world, including Japan, have been able to make headway in fighting illegal Internet wagering. Recently the Dutch supreme court and the World Trade Organization (WTO) handed down decisions regarding the illegality of cross-border betting. I also believe that the "Good Neighbor Policy (GNP)" has allowed us to dodge Mr. Chan's main concern regarding, "A crisis of dissension just when the racing world needs to be the most united due to the advent of an age of new technology and intensifying gambling competition."
A Major Success at 2004 Paris Conference: Adoption of the Good Neighbor Policy
Everyone who has puzzled over how to deal with illegal Internet wagering has been keenly aware that countries cannot devise fundamental solutions on their own. That is, international efforts are needed. Previously, the IFHA's International Wagering Subcommittee has carried out energetic discussions. Nonetheless, there were great differences, not only in different gambling laws in each country, but also in values and national sentiments. Attaining a consensus was an extremely difficult task. As everyone is aware, the Good Neighbor Policy warship hoisted its sails in the midst of this threatening storm in December 2002 and, crewed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and JRA, left port to do battle with illicit Internet betting on the seven seas. Then, as it took on new crew members when dropping anchor at ARF member countries, the warship built up steam and arrived at its final port of call, Paris, on October 4, 2004. The IFHA's General Assembly and Conference then stipulated the GNP as Article 28 of t he International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering. I am very proud that ARC's advocacy resulted in the establishment of the first international framework for control.
While you may already be tired of hearing about it, nations and regions have agreed under the GNP to mutually respect each other's markets and legislative systems and exercise self-restraint regarding the "what's yours is also mine" business precept. This has differed greatly from the report Dewey Ballantine LLP prepared for the IFHA in October 2000, The Horse Racing Industry in the Age of the Internet: Issues and Opportunities, in which commercial aspects featured prominently. That is, the GNP first places priority on devising frameworks for regulating rampant acts of piracy. Moreover, the GNP's concept is to promote global gambling through systematic contracts and other means.
Japan's Task Force Achievements
Now I would like to discuss the measures Japan has taken against illegal Internet gambling. I led the JRA-established task force from March 2002 to May 2003, and it gave me the opportunity to comprehensively study strategies that could be used to stop illegal Internet betting. First, I need to explain Japan's gambling-related legal framework. Japan's criminal law prohibits all kinds of gambling. However, the Horse Racing Law allows for an exception under which only organizations that are strongly public in nature, such as the Japan Racing Association and local governments, can conduct horse races, and these organizations are permitted to sell bets on the races they hold themselves. As such, any offshore betting operators that have Japanese citizens as customers are in violation of Japan's criminal laws. Previous legal precedents clearly proves its illegality. Nonetheless, the reality is that even now dozens of illegal betting sites in Japanese exist, including three illegal sites (one in the U.K. and two on islands in the Caribbean) that offer bets on JRA races and two illicit sites for betting on overseas horse races. Estimates are that this would have drastically harmed JRA's annual turnover of around ´30 billion. Because two of the three sites mentioned above offer JRA bets at a 10 percent discount and pay out at the same rate as JRA, it is possible that Japan's horse racing industry could lose its financial foundation if nothing were done about this. This led to discussions with the Japanese government. However, since internet crimes are difficult to investigate, the government's response was other than satisfactory. After presenting our case numerous times and stressing our concerns that this situation threatens the national interest, we were finally able to obtain assurances of wholesale cooperation after explaining the GNP.
Freezing Remittances to Operators for Bets Placed Using Credit Cards
First, we negotiated tenaciously with the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Economy, Trade and Industry; the National Police Agency; and representatives of the credit card industry regarding freezing remittances to offshore operators when a bet was made using a credit card. This resulted in domestic credit card companies halting bet remittances to unlawful betting operators from November 2002. This did not involve canceling an individual's credit cards, just stopping illegal payments. Incidentally, there are five lines of credit cards in Japan that have international settlement functions, of which two prohibit gambling and betting operators are not allowed to become affiliates. As such, credit card bet remittances are theoretically not possible through these two lines. If these credit card companies happen to discover betting operators among their affiliates, they unilaterally cancel the contracts. The computers at the remaining three credit card firms detect and stop remittances when payments made by customers using cards issued in Japan are destined for betting shops. It appears that these measures have become increasingly effective in restraining illicit bet remittances by Japanese horse racing fans. Even so, it is a prerequisite that betting operators note that their merchant category is "betting" when registering with all credit card companies. The offshore betting operators we consider the worst of the lot are the ones who, even though sanctioned many times by credit card companies, continue to register in merchant categories other than betting, which means they continue to register fraudulently. Currently we are discussing with card companies and the Japanese government how to prevent improperly registering one's business in the merchant category, but dealing with overseas problems is difficult and international supervision is required.
Legal Revisions and Educational Efforts
On the other hand, JRA asked the Japanese government to consider legal measures to combat illicit Internet wagering, drawing upon legal countermeasures adopted by many other countries. As a result, in January 2005, the Horse Racing Law was amended for the first time in 13 years, enabling JRA employees to pose as customers to collect information to single out illegal Internet betting shops. The information they gather should help police investigations. Additionally, it goes without saying that the government, JRA, the credit card industry, and provider associations have obtained results with incremental educational efforts. Incidentally, at one time there were seven offshore sites in Japanese dedicated to betting on horse races in Japan and elsewhere, but these have now declined to five, while the Japanese-language betting exchange sites disappeared in 2003.
WTO Panel Makes Unacceptable Ruling in Favor of Antigua and Barbuda
As is now widely known, Antigua and Barbuda brought a WTO suit against the U.S. in March 2003, claiming that the wholesale ban based on domestic laws against cross-border gambling of Antigua and Barbuda infringed on General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) provisions. We derided Antigua's complaint. Nonetheless, the ruling handed down by the WTO panel on November 10, 2004 ruled in favor of Antigua's complaint. Because GATS is still new, the truth is that ambiguities remain in the treaty and its schedule. According to reports, this dispute appeared to originate in a divergence of opinion over whether gambling was included in "10,D Other recreational services -- except sporting" under the GATS schedules. The panel devoted its attention solely to the question of adherence to liberalization and did not adjudicate properly by applying Article 14, which stipulates that the "overriding premise is that services that harm public morals and public order can be exempted from trade liberalization." Racing authorities around the world greeted this news with dismay and astonishment because they were surprised that free trade had been given a higher priority than an individual nation's unique morality and public good, as represented by national authority over wagering. This WTO ruling nullifies Article 28 of the IFHA International Agreement (regarding GNP), which states, "Wagering opportunities shall only be offered in another country with the express consent of that country's relevant governmental authorities, if required, and in compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements of that country. " It also bequeaths an extremely serious element of unease with regard to the global racing industry's financial foundations and the national revenues of countries that host racing. From our experience, it has been clear from the beginning that we will not be able to stop illicit Internet wagering without cooperating internationally, and an unfavorable ruling in one of IFHA's member nations is a challenge for the entire world of horse racing.
In objection to the panel's ruling, the U.S. appealed to the WTO Appellate Body on January 7, 2005, and the IFHA immediately declared its support. In particular, IFHA wanted the Japanese government, which had from the outset participated on the WTO panel as a third party in this matter, to support the U.S. JRA was of the same mind. At that point, to firmly maintain national sovereignty and the horse racing industry's foundations regarding gambling, JRA lobbied the Japanese government to the extent possible, requesting they participate as a third party whose stance supported the U.S. in the WTO appeal. As a result, the WTO Appellate Body handed down a ruling in favor of the U.S. on April 7, 2005. The Appellate Body reappraised the panel's decision and ended up handing down a truly appropriate decision, namely, "It is possible to restrict cross-border online gambling to protect public morals and public order. " I see this judgment as a reflection of the united efforts that racing authorities have expended, including the adopting of the GNP, and have also been hearing a great sigh of relief at the decision. It does appear that from here on, racing authorities will need to appeal to their respective governments to improve the vagueness of the GATS provisions and schedules, that is, the lack of a precise description of gambling. This should include the adoption of an authoritative interpretation of Article 14 of GATS that protects the rights of individual IFHA members to restrict cross-border gambling services as necessary to protect public morals and public order. IFHA has already begun efforts toward this end. In any case, we need to cooperate to continue winning the battle against illegal Internet betting.
Dark Future for Horse Racing?
Try picturing the kind of racing fans who, in unison, cheer on the horses they have bet on with the cry "Lose! Lose!," and also greet the victorious horse, still breathing heavily in the winner's circle, not with laudatory applause, but with boos. This might be the pitiful shape of future horse racing if taken over by betting exchanges. I strongly fear that betting exchanges will interfere with the sporting nature of horse racing and result in the decline of racing over the long run. Since betting exchanges first appeared, it has been noted that the people who use them will be tempted by scams and, in fact, suspicious examples of these have been increasing.
Racing authorities deserve praise for their efforts to increase transparency, but do the racing fans who are the customers actually understand this? Surely, we have a responsibility to devise a permanent plan to ensure horse racing's sound growth. I believe that it is imperative for horse racing, as the leader in sports betting, to carefully and impartially study all aspects of the implementation of betting exchanges before making any major decisions on the impact they will give our industry.
News
Promising Japanese sprinters line up in the 5th Leg of the Global Sprint Challenge
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This Sunday sees the 19th running of the Group 3 Centaur Stakes at Hanshin racecourse in Japan.
As the 5th leg of the inaugural 6-leg Global Sprint Challenge, the Japan Racing Association would have been hoping for some international participation, but unfortunately no foreign horses have accepted for the race.
This is no doubt largely due to the overwhelming performance of Cape of Good Hope, who has ensured victory in the series before the final 2 Japanese legs have even been run!Cape of Good Hope’s victories in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (UK), Group 1 Timbercorp Australia Stakes (Australia), his 3rd in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (Australia) and his 4th placing in the Group 2 King’s Stand Stakes (UK) have enabled the David Oughton-trained gelding to register 54 points in the series, 44 points ahead of his nearest rival at this stage.
Another factor which may have contributed to the lack of international participation in the Centaur Stakes, is its lowly Group 3 rating.Notwithstanding the healthy prizemoney (which includes 41 million yen to the winner), the lack of Group 1 recognition may have kept some foreign participants away.Supporting this theory is the fact that not only Cape of Good Hope, but also the champion Hong Kong sprinter Silent Witness are both expected to travel to Japan for the final leg of the Global Sprint Challenge – the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes, to be held on 2nd October at Nakayama racecourse.
In any case, the Centaur Stakes will this year be run with an all-Japanese field, but some classy members have nominated for the race.
For a start, the 1st and 2nd place getters from last year’s race – Golden Cast and Keeneland Swan are once again preparing to run.Golden Cast has not enjoyed much success since his victory last year, but in his past 2 runs he finished 3rd and 4th over 1200m at Kokura racecourse, which showed he may be close to returning to his best form.He has performed well at Hanshin racecourse in the past (including his win in this race last year) but the key to his performance on Sunday may well be the 57kgs he will be asked to carry.He has traditionally struggled when up in the weights, being yet to win in 12 starts carrying 57kgs.
Keeneland Swan, trained by globe-trotting mentor Hideyuki Mori, traveled to Europe in June to contest the 4th leg of the Global Sprint Challenge – the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes.As has often been the case with Japanese sprinters traveling overseas in recent years, Keeneland Swan appeared to struggle with the thicker grass and slower times, and was well beaten by Cape of Good Hope.He backed up again in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, but once again was never a winning chance.He will be much better suited back in Japan, on the lighter Hanshin track, and there is no doubt he is good enough to win this.His second placing in the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in March is the best individual performance of any horse in this race, and judging by his recent times on the training track Mori has him primed for Sunday.It does seem that it would be wise to forgive his disappointing overseas performances when evaluating his chances here.
The other well credentialed horse in the race is the 5yo entire Gallant Arrow.Winner of the Group 2 Swan Stakes in 2003, Gallant Arrow was responsible for a gutsy first up performance in late August at Kokura.Carrying 59kgs over the 1200m course, he led almost all of the way – run down only in the dying stages of the race.He traditionally performs better with a run under his belt, and for the Centaur Stakes, he will drop back down to 57kgs which should seem him right in the finish.
Even with these 3 well performed horses expected to accept for Sunday’s race, the horse most likely to start favorite on the day is Maruka Kiseki.Although there is no doubt this Fuji Kiseki 4yo is up against a much tougher field here, he has been very impressive in winning his last two races – both over 1200m.In particular the 1:06.9 race time he recorded in winning last start attracted plenty of attention.These performances, combined with the fact that the jockey riding on Sunday will be the in-form Yuichi Fukunaga (best known overseas for his victories on Eishin Preston and Cesario), seem certain to have Maruka Kiseki start the public’s favorite.
Amongst the other entries, chances must be given to Homan Tequila, Hyuma and Chiriege.As with Maruka Kiseki, Homan Tequila is a horse with plenty of potential, taking on his biggest challenge to date.The 3yo son of former Japanese Sprint Champion Sakura Bakushin O has won 4 of his 8 starts, including his last two in succession.This preparation he has consistently run fast times, and even in defeat first up he made up a lot of ground after missing the start to finish within a length of the winner.
Hyuma is now a 5yo but has been a consistent performer over the years.He was rated highly as a 2yo but although never breaking through at Group level, he is always thereabouts in this type of race.He races well at Hanshin, and with plenty of pace on up front in this race, he may be making up ground over the concluding stages.
Ciliege is an interesting runner who is likely to be considered one of the outsiders on Sunday.Like Homan Tequila, she too is by former Japanese Sprint Champion Sakura Bakushin O. Ciliege showed plenty of promise early in her career winning 3 of her first 5 starts and leading most of the way in this race last year as a 3yo before being run down by Golden Cast and others, eventually finishing in 5th place.She returned to the track in June after a long lay-off, and put in two averages performances but has been given time off since and in past weeks has been working very well on the training track.
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News
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Golden Cast wins his 2nd Centaur Stakes
The Group 3 Centaur Stakes run at Hanshin racecourse in Japan has been won by Golden Cast for the second consecutive year. This year the race was included as the 5th leg of the inaugural 6-leg Global Sprint Challenge, and the win by Golden Cast earns him 10 points in the challenge. The race was never going to affect the ultimate outcome of the challenge, however, with the Hong Kong sprinter Cape of Good Hope holding an unassailable lead in the series.
The race itself was full of surprises. The horse expected to lead the field, Gallant Arrow, could not produce the brilliant start he has so often shown in the past, and was pushed along the entire race by jockey Hideaki Miyuki. On the other hand, Homan Tequila, ridden by champion Japanese jockey Yutaka Take, reached the lead easily and that allowed him to dictate terms in front.
The eventual winner, Golden Cast, also left the stalls well and jockey Futoshi Komaki placed him perfectly outside the leader before wearing down Homan Tequila in the straight. Homan Tequila fought on well, but just could not hold out the determined finish of Golden Cast. Hot favorite for the race, Maruka Kiseki ridden by in-form jockey Yuichi Fukunaga finished on well in the straight to run 3rd, but was never a realistic chance to run down the two leaders. The time for the race was 1:08.3, with the last 600m run in 34.4 seconds. Although slight rain had fallen during the day, the race was run in perfect conditions, on a track rated good.
Jockey Futoshi Komaki's comment after the race was "I got to a good position outside the leader without much effort, so when I got to the top of the straight, the horse still felt very good under me, and I was confident we could run down Homan Tequila. He was a little disppointing last time out, so I'm glad that he showed his true form today".
Golden Cast's win today took his lifetime record to 6 wins and 6 places from 32 starts, and his total earnings to over 200 million yen. He had not won a race since his win inthe Centaur Stakes last year, and it was Futoshi Komaki's first win on the 5yo Taiki Shuttle entire.
Homan Tequila, the only 3yo in the race, was given every chance by Yutaka Take, and although the Hanshin track had favoured leaders all day, he just could not hold out the winner. The Sakura Bakushin O colt lived up to the "very promising" tag placed on him by his trainer Takayuki Yasuda, and the colt is now expected to be put away for a shot at the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in the spring next year.
The favorite Maruka Kiseki was gallant in defeat, making up the most ground of anyone in the straight, but got a little too far back in the run to launch a realistic challenge. At the post though, he was only 1 length off the 1st and 2nd horses, and he will no doubt head to the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama on the 2nd October where he will face a hot field comprising the 2 Hong Kong sprinters Cape of Good Hope and Silent Witness, as well as the winner of today's race Golden Cast.
Of the rest of the field, the expected leader Gallant Arrow did well to battle on for 4th. Although beaten by almost 4 lengths by the top 2, the effort was sound as he was not allowed to take up his customary leading role. It may pay to forgive his run today when assessing his chance in future events, which will likely include the Sprinters Stakes.
The only horse in the field to have participated in an earlier leg of the Global Sprint Challenge (finishing 10th in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes in the UK), Keeneland Swan was disappointing in finishing 5th today. Although he loomed up as a winning chance on the turn, he did not finish off his race as he has in the past. Even taking into consideration the difficulty of horses to make up ground on the Hanshin track today, it was still a sub-standard effort and it is difficult to imagine him troubling the main chances in the Sprinters Stakes if he still heads there.
The five horses mentioned above were the top 5 favorites of the Japanese punters and they totally dominated the race,
Kyoto is excellent guide to HK Mile
Japanese raiders looking to impress ahead of Sha Tin trip
ALAN AITKEN
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http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/news/images/lead20051118a.jpg
Hong Kong Mile entry Asakusa Den'en defeats Hong Kong sprinting champion Silent Witness (rails) in the Yasuda Kinen in June. Trainer Michifumi Kono is keeping Asakusa Den'en nice and fresh after his win.
Picture by Robert Ng
Japan hosts one of the more important races this weekend in the lead-up to next week's announcement of invited runners for the Cathay Pacific International Races.
Runners for the four Sha Tin events will be known on Wednesday, and with the International Sprint and Mile trials on Sunday wrapping up the chances to impress for the home team, the last chance for Japanese milers takes place at Kyoto.
The Kyoto Mile Championship has been a solid pointer to prospects in the Hong Kong Mile with Eishin Preston's second in that race prefacing his booming 2001 Mile win at Sha Tin.
A year later, Tokai Point and Admire Cozzene went close at Sha Tin coming out of the Kyoto race.
This year's event will be highlighted by beaten 2004 Hong Kong Mile favourite Durandal and Admire Max, who chased home Silent Witness in the Sprinters' Stakes, along with another Hong Kong Mile entry Dance In The Mood.
But not running at Kyoto will be the Yasuda Kinen winner, Asakusa Den'en, whose trainer Michifumi Kono has shown how serious he is about winning in Hong Kong by sidestepping the prestigious domestic event. Since the Yasuda Kinen, Asakusa Den'en has run just once - when close up in the Autumn Tenno Sho over 2,000 metres on October 30 - and will not have another race before Sha Tin.
Sweep Tosho, the mare who cut Silent Witness out of second in the Yasuda Kinen in June, has continued her fine form with a second subsequent Group One win in last weekend's Queen Elizabeth Commemorative Stakes in Tokyo.
While she is not headed for Hong Kong, third placed Admire Groove holds an entry for Sha Tin.
Veteran globetrotter, Clive Brittain has booked Jamie Spencer to ride Warrsan in the Hong Kong Vase following the facial injuries suffered in Melbourne two weeks ago by regular pilot Kerrin McEvoy.
Warrsan, runner-up in the Vase in 2003 as a five-year-old, has arrived safe and sound in Tokyo for a tilt at the Japan Cup en route to Sha Tin, where his performance may determine whether he remains in training next year.
The four-time Group One winner disappointed in both Japan and Hong Kong last season, but Brittain said the stallion has been raced less frequently this term in Europe and he expects him to be at his best.
While the participation of his top mare Ouija Board awaits her form in the Japan Cup, English trainer Ed Dunlop has let the cat out of the bag by announcing that his good miler Court Masterpiece has been invited to Sha Tin next month. He was a last-start Group One winner on Arc day in Paris, ridden by Gerald Mosse in the Prix de la Foret Casino Barriere de Biarritz.
And a release from the Hong Kong Jockey Club last weekend gave every impression that Arc runner-up Westerner will be here. The highest-rated horse among potential runners for December 11, Westerner's trainer Elie Lellouche will be out for Vase win number three having won it with Partipral and Vallee Enchantee.
The release also highlighted the prospects of English trainer David Elsworth, who makes a return to Hong Kong with Norse Dancer in the Vase. Elsworth, who last brought Indian Creek for the Hong Kong Cup in 2002, was also the original trainer of Global Sprint Challenge champion, Cape Of Good Hope.
http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/news/news20051118a.asp
My fellow compatriot Olivier Peslier was too strong today in the Kyoto Mile with a superb victory with Hat Trick as he went from the rear to reach the goalpost just at the finish !! What a thrilling finish for a race that saw two french jockeys at the first two places (Peslier and Christophe-Patrice Lemaire!!)
Here are the links for this fantastic race and the interview of Peslier...
Enjoy !!! :cool:
http://www.jra.go.jp/vi/doc/mc_result/asx/r05_1120milecs_dsl.asx
http://www.jra.go.jp/vi/doc/mc_result/asx/r05_1120milecs_winner_dsl.asx
Flamboyant Italian jockey Frankie Dettori claimed his third Japan Cup on Sunday when he steered the Luca Cumani-trained Alkaased to a record-breaking win.
Alkaased held off a late challenge from Heart's Cry by a nose with last year's winner Zenno Rob Roy another 1-3/4 lengths third.
A five-year-old Group One winner in France, Alkaased ran the 2400 metres in 2:22.1 to take .1s off the long standing record held by New Zealand mare Horlicks who won the race in 1989.
There were some anxious moments before the result of the photo finish was confirmed and stewards also studied the tactics of the runner-up who made a sudden switch to the inside late in the race.
Dettori won the race in 1996 aboard Singspiel and again in 2002 on Falbrav.
English mare Ouija Board was a gallant fifth with the other British raider Warrsan 13th and French contestant Bago eighth.
Cumani, who prepared Australian horse Starcraft for two European Group One wins earlier this year, took over the training of Alkaased at the beginning of his four-year-old season when Michael Charlton bought him from Sheikh Hamdan.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41062000/jpg/_41062398_franko203.jpg
Japan Cup joy for Dettori
PETER ALLISON
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/images/photos2005/sp20051128a1a.jpg
FRANKIE Dettori and Alkaased powered to a record-breaking triumph in a dramatic 25th Japan Cup in Tokyo.
The combination held on by a nose from local hope Heart's Cry in one of the most thrilling finishes in the history of the £1.25 million contest at Fuchu racecourse. The faith owner Mike Charlton and trainer Luca Cumani had placed in Alkaased was vindicated as the five-year-old entire grittily held on to provide Dettori with his third win in the race after Singspiel (1996) and Falbrav (2002).
And the horse's time of two minutes 22.1 seconds broke the previous record for the mile and a half set by Australian-trained Horlicks. Last year's winner Zenno Rob Roy ran creditably and was a length and three-quarters back in third and another Japanese runner Lincoln was a close fourth. Ouija Board was beaten a little more than two lengths in fifth place.
Dettori revealed that ever since his arrival in Japan he had harboured a strong fancy for Alkaased, who paid 9.6-1.
He said: "I couldn't believe how well he was in himself but I didn't want to say anything until after he'd gone and done his stuff.
"My one concern is that he is a slow starter but I was able to get a nice lead round behind Bago and was more or less where I'd aimed to be at the top of the stretch. He can be lazy but today he was really tough and dug deep. It was an absolutely great race, very exciting and nerve-wracking. Luca's done a great job keeping the horse fresh all year and deserved the result."
Cumani will consult Monte Carlo-based Yorkshireman Charlton before deciding whether to run Alkaased in Hong Kong on 11 December, but hopes are high he will run.
He said: "It's great to have a horse win the Japan Cup especially with Frankie riding him. He was great at executing what we had planned which was to go down to the rail."
French raider Bago was only eighth while the third English challenger Warrsan could never get competitive, finishing 13th of the 18 starters.
This article: http://sport.scotsman.com/racing.cfm?id=2313782005
Last updated: 28-Nov-05 01:47 GMT
Kane Hekili Takes Japan Cup Dirt by a Nose; Americans Beaten
by Ray Paulick
Date Posted: 11/26/2005 3:28:54 AM
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Favored Kane Hekili posts a narrow victory in the Japan Cup Dirt.
Photo: Bill Selwyn
Heavily favored Japanese-bred Kane Hekili emerged from a three-horse, head-bobbing finish to narrowly win the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) over American-breds Seeking the Dia and Star King Man at Tokyo Race Course Saturday. The win gave leading jockey Yutaka Take his 200th victory of 2005 and his 11th group/grade I win of the year.
American runners Lava Man and Tap Day fared poorly, finishing 11th and 13th, respectively, with the other foreign entrant, Eccentric from Great Britain, finishing last in the 16-horse field. Lava Man emerged from the race with a bloodied left front foot that his jockey, Corey Nakatani, said was the result of a frog that popped off less than midway through the 1 5/16-mile race.
Kane Hekili, a 3-year-old by the Sunday Silence stallion Fuji Kiseki out of Life Out There, by Deputy Minister, was installed as the 11-10 favorite after winning six of eight starts in 2005, including a four-length win in the Japan Dirt Derby. He came into the Japan Cup Dirt off a loss in a one-mile race, shorter than his preferred distance.
Take placed Kane Hekili in mid-pack early, while Utopia set a rapid pace, under hot pursuit from Seeking the Dia and jockey Norihiro Yokoyama. He swung wide on the final turn and engaged Seeking the Dia and Star King Man, who got a dream trip on the inside from Kent Desormeaux. They battled down the stretch, with Star King Man on the rail, Seeking the Dia between horses, and Kane Hekili to the outside. Seeking the Dia and Kane Hekili edged to the front in the shadow of the finish, with Kane Hekili winning by a nose. Star King Man was a neck back in third. Seeking the Dia and Star King Man are both trained by Hideyuki Mori.
Final time was 2:08 flat for the 2,100 meters on the sandy dirt surface that was labeled fast.
There was no celebration by Take after the horses crossed the finish. "I congratulated Yokoyama, thinking he had won," Take said later.
This has been another exceptional year for the Japanese star rider, but 2005 has been kind to Kane Hekili's other connections, too. Owner Makoto Kaneko campaigns Japanese Triple Crown winner Deep Impact, a Sunday Silence colt who is bypassing Sunday's Japan Cup (Jpn-I) on turf to prep for the season-ending Arima Kinen (Jpn-I) at Nakayama Race Course. Kane Hekili's trainer, Katsuhiko Sumii, also conditions Cesario, the brilliant Special Week filly who came to the United States in July to win the American Oaks (gr. IT). Breeder Northern Farm (which purchased Kane Hekili's dam at the 1999 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale for $270,000) is leading breeder in Japan for the second consecutive year.
Sumii said Kane Hekili was finished for the year and had no specific plans for 2006, though an appearance in either Dubai or the United States was an option that owner Kanoko could consider
The top three finishers were followed in order by Time Paradox, Sunrise Bacchus, Shirokita God Run, Saqalot, Utopia, Higher Game, Adjudi Mitsuo, Lava Man, Gene Crisis, Tap Day, Personal Rush, Hishi Atlas, and Eccentric.
The Japan Cup winner took home first prize of approximately $1.1 million from the total purse of $2.2 million. Attendance was 56,251 and handle on the race was approximately $95 million. JRA officials said about $170 million was bet on the 12-race program.
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Christmas Double for Tyreel in Japan
Jim Fleming’s Tyreel Stud was responsible for a Japanese double over the Christmas weekend with two blue-blooded 3Y0’s saluting the judge.
Starting on the Saturday, when SOLO TURN (Redoute’s Choice / Ballroom Babe) (NZ) won his second race from 4 starts, by taking out a 3YO & Upwards Handicap on the dirt at Nakayama over 1200m, winning by a massive 7 length margin. SOLO TURN was purchased by prominent Japanese owner Mr Yoshida for $425,000 at the 2004 Easter Yearling Sale.
Tyreel Stud will offer a ¾ sister to SOLO TURN by first season sire Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE). The highly anticipated yearling is also a ¾ relation to Group 3 winner Tahni Girl and the multiple Hong Kong winner, HIDDEN DRAGON (2001 Easter, $700,000).
GABURIN, purchased from the same sale in 2004 for $650,000 by Mr Yoshinori Sakae won a 1400m 3Y0 & Upwards Handicap on the dirt at Hanshin by 2 ½ lengths.
From the dual Group 1 winning Danehill (USA) mare DASHING EAGLE (1995 Easter), the son of Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) has now won 3 races, all by commanding margins (12, 7 and 2 ½ lengths respectively).
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