this weekends races

[specialweek]

Thought I'd keep you abreast with the major races coming up this weekend.
Tenno Sho (Spring Emperors Cup) G1 is on Sunday at Kyoto course over 3200m. The final field has not been decided yet but horses to follow will be Narita Top Road,(boy is he glad T.M. Opera O and Meisho Doto have retired) Jungle Pocket,( Japan Cup winner to be ridden by Yutaka Take) Manhattan Cafe( the only horse from Tokyo area in the race and has taken time to settle in Kansai) and White Happiness could handle the distance OK. There are two Emperors Cups a year, Spring&autumn, but his is the long one. Narita will be hard to beat with Jungle Pocket next best.
The Aoba Sho (Derby Trial)G2 is on Saturday at Tokyo course and horses included are Yamano Blizzard, D.S.Thunder,Omoshiroi,Agnes Planet, Symboli Planet and others but the final field won't be known until Thursday night.
If anyone needs some info and I can help, pleased to do so.
SW

[masun]

SW, the Japanese horses Agnes Digital and Eishin Preston have completely dominated the international races in Hong Kong so far this season. I wonder how high these two rank among Japanese horses? Are they the top horses or there are many better ones?

[specialweek]

Masun,
As far as Digital and Preston are concerned they are ranked extremely high but as the money is so good here many trainers, owners are reluctant to travel. Having said that, the contingent going to Singapore in May is probably on the second line in ability but I believe one of them is good enought to win.
I am not about to tell you yet as I need to monitor their work.
All I can tell you is that Eishin Preston's colors may go over the line first in Singapore.

[hobbes]

a belated welcome specialweek. i missed meeting you in HK in dec so maybe this year.
when you say EP's colours i assume this implies same owners rather than EP itself.
some of us here are interested in happenings in Japan so grateful if you can keep us updated.

[horseshoof]

Special Week, I was in Japan 12 months ago and saw a horse called Spartacus(?) win (that is what the interpreter worked out his English name was, 2 months later).
I thought what a superstar, and was taken by his win but have never seen him in any international races.
Can you tell me his record in Japan.
When I saw him it was last January.

[masun]

Thanks for the info, SW. If there's any consolation, it's good to know that the Hong Kong horses weren't demolished by a bunch of second line Japanese runners. Watching Eishin Preston walk past Electronic Unicorn in the Hong Kong Mile in December, I realised how remarkable it was that Fairy King Prawn managed to win the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. Jeune Prawn King, owned by the same owner as FKP, is planning to repeat the same feat. Knowing how the good the Japanese horses are, I must say JKP has a formidable challenge ahead.

[specialweek]

Regarding the colors to be worn in singapore hobbes, they are slightly different with white sleeves and red arm hoops. Eishin will not be in Singapore but JKP will be up against him in the Yasuda Kinen.
Other news.....if Jungle Pocket races well this weekend and stays in good condition he will be off to the King George.
Horseshoof, the horse you enquired about is Spartacus but are you sure it was January last year as he has had only 4 starts for two wins,3rd a 5th. his last start was July 29th 2001. Previously raced 8th july, 10th march and 25th february.
He is by Sunday Silence out of Star Ballerina and I do not know why he has not raced since. There could be a number of reasons but the 4yr old is still listed as an active horse

[specialweek]

Last weekend as I had mentioned Yutaka Take, champion jock, resumed after an almost 8 week layoff after fracturing his pelvis in a race fall at Nakayama.
He came back in fine style by winning on Hagino High Grade in the Antares stakes, a G3, at 6/1.
Today he went out on 11/10 fav. Symboli Kris S. in the Aoba Sho(Derby trial) at Tokyo course over 2400m. He won with a clever rails ride by 2 1/2, then came 20 to one pop Bamboo Juventus with third fav Yamano Blizzard a further length away in 3rd place. Time was 2.26.4 out in 46.7 home in 34.6 on a good track.
Tomorrow is the Tenno Sho G1 (Spring Emperors Cup) at Kyoto course over 3200m.
Eleven runners with Narita Top Road at 2/1, Jungle Pocket 5/2(Take to ride), Manhattan Cafe 3/1.
Others in the market are Sunrise Pegasus 7/1, Admire Road 13/1, Erimo Brian 17/1 and Born King 18/1.
Yutaka Take will be off to France next week and will return to Japan during his 6 months away for selected Group races.
SW

[specialweek]

Manhattan Cafe has won the Tenno Sho (Spring Emperors Cup) collecting his 3rd Group 1 win. Raced at Kyoto course he ran the 3200m in 3.19.5 almost 4 secs outside the track and race record held by Brians Time.
Jungle Pocket was second with Narita Top Road third.
Masayoshi Ebina had MC on the fence 3 to 4 lengths from the leaders most of the way.
They went out in 46.5 and home in 34.3.
The 1,2,3 finishers were only separated by a full point in pre post betting NRT 2/1, JP 5/2, MC 3/1

[corkey boy]

Thanks for the report SW. Perhaps with more and more Japanese horses stepping out overseas, you may find Mahattan Cafe and Narita Top Road go to Melbourne for the Cup. They'd shit in surely !?!

[cheesebeast]

Yes it does sound like an interesting prospect having a Japanese horse or two in the Melbourne Cup.
Specialweek, how often do they race over 2 miles in Japan?

[specialweek]

It would be highly unlikely I believe that a Japanese horse would go to the Melbourne Cup unless it was its last career run. Many factors make it unlikely but mainly the quarantine time which I beleive is still quite long and they race for huge money here anyway. Narita Top Road would be the best candidate as he is a 6yr old now and may be retiring this year.
There are 5 group races a year around the 2 miles.
Feb. at Tokyo, Diamond Stakes 3200m, G3, 4yr olds & up
Mar. at Hanshin, Hanshin Daishoten,3000m, G2, 4 yr olds & up
April. at Kyoto, Tenno Sho 3200m, G1, 4yr C&F
Oct. at Kyoto, Kikusho(St. Ledger) 3000m, G1, 3yr C&F
Nov. at Nakayama, Stayers Stakes 3600m, G2, 3yr olds & up.
I don't have the full season's fixture but they are the group races.

[specialweek]

We are currently in the middle of what is known as "Golden Week" with a number of national holidays scattered over 8 days, so as a result this week's racing will be Friday and Saturday(not Sun).
The Big Group 1 is the NHK Mile Championship on Saturday at Tokyo(Fuchu Course). In the last 5 years this has been won by some really good types.
Last year Kurofune, then Eagle Cafe, '99 Symboli Indy, 98 El Condor Pasa, 97 Seeking the Pearl.
This year there are 18 3yr old colts and it is a tough race to pick the winner.
Chances include Tanino Gimlet, Yutaka Take to ride coming back from France for two days then back again. This horse is trained by the guy who had Kurofune and missed out on the Mile/Derby double last year but thinks he can do it this year.
This horse has built up incredibly in just one month and physically looks far better than anything else in the field.
Others with chances are Sardonyx, Taiki Leon, Telegnosis, Agnes Sonic, Siberian Meadow, Gaily Phantom, Cafe Bostonian and the winner could come from horses not mentioned. Should be a great race with a bit of rain in the forecast.
For what its worth I will box Tanino Gimlet, Sardonyx and Telegnosis.
SW

[masun]

SW, there are quite a few big computer teams operating in Hong Kong. Has this happened in Japan yet?

[specialweek]

There were one or two but not knowing much about their operations I have no info on their standing.
Sw

[specialweek]

The NHK Mile Cup has been run and won by Telegnosis(which I believe means the knowledge of events taking place far away Second was Agnes Sonic and Tanino Gimlet 3rd 1.33.1, 47.8, 35.8 on good track.
He is by Tony Bin out of a Northern Dancer mare Make a Wish. 1 3/4, 3/4,1 1/4.
The favorite got crunched at the 300 by two horses and that killed his momentum, probably would have won otherwise. There was a lengthy inquiry but placings stood as tanino was squeesed by two out of the top five.
Should set up for a great Derby next month and if Tanino stays fresh would be the fav again.
Happy to say I threw agnes in with my pre race tips and Q paid 48/1.

[specialweek]

The Keio Hai Sprint Cup was won today by God of Chance(interesting name) at 19/1, then Grass World 8/1, and Believe 16/1.
1400m in 1.20.3, 46.5, 35.1.
Record held at 1.19.7 by the 5th placed horse Magnaten.
The winner hit the lead from barrier 18 after 200m and led the whole way winning by 1 1/2, neck, neck, nose, nose, neck, 3/4.
As you can tell the winner was obvious but the next 7 were not that far away.
Notable runs in this International race that had no foreign horses were from Grass World(late bloomer at 6yrs) and Dantsu Flame,(came home strong but looking 90% and needing more ground)both possible entries in the Yasuda Kinen which has two noms from HK.
These horses will take on Eishin Preston, maybe Agnes Digital(may need the rest) and a number of emerging milers in Japan.
Next weekend is the Oaks so I'll be back with more.
SW

[specialweek]

The Oaks is run today at Fuchu in Tokyo and is probably the most even field for many years.
The local scribes like Brigadoon, Smile Tomorrow,Shinin' Beauty, Yu Carat,Meine Mimose and Osumi Cosmo.
Sunday Silence has five daughters in the field of 18, and his son Fuji Kiseki has 3.
Personally I like Meine Vita from Shinin Beauty and Smile Tomorrow but that may change as I take a look at them on course.
Back with the results later

[masun]

SW, talking of Japanese scribes, how do they pick their winners? I've always wondered if there's an English book available on Japanese handicapping methods.
At the risk of vastly oversimplify things, the Americans use speed/pace handicapping, the Brits comparative class handicapping and the Aussies weight handicapping. What about the Japanese?
In Hong Kong, probably due to the fact many of them started off their careers as clockers or trackwork watchers, tipsters give enormous emphasis to morning trackworks.

[specialweek]

Masun,
There are many different approaches taken here as to handicapping but Trackwork is probably the biggest influence. As you may know Japan has a unique training set up as there are two training centers here. One at Ritto and the other at Miho.
Each has all trainers, horses stable foremen and staff housed in massive facilities.
Clockers and track men have to be accredited to be at the track and you just can't walk in off the street to watch work.
There are also confirmation experts, bloodline followers and any other form of assessment you can think of.
The Oaks run Sunday was one by 10/1 White Muzzle-sired Smile Tomorrow, 1 1/2 to 25/1 Chapel Concert(Sunday Silence) and 3/4 to Yu Carat 5/1 (Winning Ticket).
18 horses went to the post and Smile Tomorrow was very agitated before the race and settled in the last three or four until the 450m mark. Staying on the fence for most of the trip Yutaka Yoshida pulled out 3 off the fence at the 400 and ran strongly to hit the lead at the 150.
The favorite Shinin Ruby 7/2 was a disappointing fifth.
They covered the 2400m in 2.27.7 out in 47.9 home in 35.9.
The race record is 2.26.1 held by Eishin Sunny 1990, while the track record belongs to Horlicks 2.22.2
Next weekend is the race that often draws the biggest attendance, record 190,000 but there won't be that number this year. The Derby will also have a field of 18 with Tanino Gimlet the early fav.
More later in the week
SW

[hobbes]

masun this had not crossed my mind until i read SW's response but i had the impression that following bloodlines was very big in japan even to the extent of fan clubs for stallions.
25/10/00
"The JRA told me in interview - though it's clear from looking at the media - that they see "romanticising" racing as the best way to expand and broaden their fan base. I;m not sure what it is like elsewhere, but here as well as the fortunes spent on the stock itself, millions more are spent on these spin-doctoring campaigns; posters, videos, much, much more, adverts of a particular horse shot in soft focus, flattering light, running alone across a desert at sunset...
Part of the aim of promoting bloodlines, said the JRA, is the get people gooey about horses, and get the association of racing away from betting and to Noble Beasts and the Sport of Kings etc (though of course, if they want to put some money down as well...)
They also spend fortunes trying to make sex symbols of jockeys. Would think anything ridden by that dude Yutaka Take would also be overbet. Both JRA, JAIR and two journalists I spoke to kept repeating his name. Apparently he was packing in the ladies in droves, who said one JRA official "always drag one or even two men with them", and getting the sport all this great publicity before he got married and fucked off to the states a few years ago.
Though he did win the was it grade one at Kyoto last week..."

[breezin']

I really think JRA gets too much credit in the foreign media's eyes for the Yutaka boom and if millions were actually spent I think they were unnecessarily spent.
The "romance" is something the Japanese have always looked for. It's been strong throughout racing's history here, at least since the the late '50s. People look for it and the racing writers want it too. It's not something the JRA is selling them on, though they may try. Usually I say their efforts are late and off the mark. Most Japanese I talk to aren't much taken in by all the ad campaigns, although the foreign media thinks they're everything.
When it comes to Take, I've been here preboom, during and post and there wasn't and isn't all that much hype surrounding him. But people still are attracted to him, though of course the groupies don't scream from the sidelines like they used to. I don't know what it is but Take has something people like and, heck, a lot of it simply is that the chances of the horse he's riding winning are pretty damn good.
JRA officials really give themselves too much credit but I think the JRA is more removed from the pulse of the people than they realize and I think this is being reflected in the dropping turnover of late.
Take, also, still brings a good draw when he shows up and I think his riding abroad has made him even more popular here. But this is something the JRA didn't think of and was one reason they were so opposed to his riding outside of Japan for any extended period of time.
[ May 20, 2002: Message edited by: breezin' ]

[masun]

i had the impression that following bloodlines was very big in japan even to the extent of fan clubs for stallions.
Fan clubs for stallions, that's really something. Wonder if any Japanese girl has ever fainted at the sight of their favourite stallion?

[specialweek]

Pilsudski,
When he won the Japan Cup in '97 may have impressed a few. The only horse I have seen that when five legs are visible in the paddock(mounting yard) the trainer and owners are very happy.
He displayed a length or two that day and went on to win the race.
I agree with breezin' about the JRA effect on the popularity of racing here, but there was a concerted effort in the early 90's to change the image and the JRA through an ad agency did that.
You only have to search the web sites in Japan to see that there are true lovers of certain horses plus visiting jockeys who react to the crowd in a friendly manner, oh and ride a few winners , are treated very well-----no booing for poor rides here.
The recent drop in popularity is understandable as people tend not to bet in tough times generally in Japan.
Many sports have suffered here. Soccer, sumo and even local baseball with Japanese players going to the U.S.
With the supposed intro of on line betting in the next year or three that will certainly increase revenue but attendances will suffer.

[specialweek]

The 69th Japan Derby will be run Sunday at Fuchu course in Tokyo with 18 colts going to the barrier.
Trainer Kazuo Fujisawa has four engaged and he has not won the Derby for 11 years so there are high hopes this time around especially with foreign bred Symboli Kris S to be ridden by veteran jockey Yukio Okabe.
Yutaka Take makes another long flight from France to ride Tanino Gimlet, the likely favorite. Kent Desormeaux will be on another of Fujisawa's horses, Machikane Akatsuki.
Sunday Silence has 6 runners plus a son of SS also has a runner.
I personally like Tanino Gimlet, Symboli Kris S, Tiger Cafe and Mega Stardom.

[phoenix]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by specialweek:
Specialweek, I am currently trying to incorporate Japanese results data (from JRA website) into my international bloodstock analysis database. I cannot seem to find any reference to equipment used on horses i.e. Blinkers, pacifiers, nosebands etc. Could you please put me in the right direction as to where I can get hold of this info. Also is there a publication i.e. Keiba? that publishes results in greater detail possibly with equipment info.
Very interested as to shoeing techniques used in the land of the rising sun.

[specialweek]

Phoenix,
As far as I know the only equipment trainers have to notify the JRA of, is blinkers. Anything else is left as they like.
The only info is in the local papers and perhaps some fan Japanese racing sites, but I will follow it up if you like.
The shoe reqirements are published for incoming trainers for the Japan Cup on the JAIR site each Sept/Oct.
I can also check that out but breezin', one of the forum contributors may know the story.
SW

[breezin']

Phoenix,
Sorry, I don't know of anywhere where such detailed equipment info is published other than for blinkers. Perhaps you could contact the JRA via email and find out.
Just wanted to correct something about the Derby. Although it's true Fujisawa hasn't had a Derby winner in 11 years, he's actually NEVER had a Derby winner and has in fact only had one colt ever even entered in the Derby, in 1989. One of the reasons this year, with his four entries, is so unusual.

[phoenix]

To specialweek / breezin,
Thank you for this info - would definately like to persue a reliable source for obtaining blinkers information. Could you please identify some publications.
If I can be of any assitance on any Euro / USA issues (I am actively envolved with both) please do not hesitate to make contact.
With thanks,
phoenix

[hobbes]

phoenix, i would be interested if you have any comments or insights related to these threads ??
http://www.asianracing.nu/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=000011&p=
http://www.asianracing.nu/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=000012
http://www.asianracing.nu/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=000030
http://www.asianracing.nu/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000006

[specialweek]

The Japanese Derby has been won by local wonder boy Yutaka Take on board 7/4 fav. Tanino Gimlet. Take flew in from France to pick up another Group 1 race.
Symboli Kris S, the only foreign bred horse in the race ran 2nd, Machikane Akatsuki was third with visiting American jockey Kent Desmoreaux riding the 16/1 chance.
Fourth was Mega Stardom with Gold Allure 5th. Time 2.26.2, 47.8. 35.6.
Margins, 1 length, head, head,neck.
Tanino Gimlet was back near the tail until the halfway point when he raced midfield.
He took the lead at the 150 down the middle of the track keeping out of trouble and despite fine efforts by Symboli Kris S and Machikane Akatsuki, Tanino held them off comfortably.
The winner is by Brian's Time.
130,00 people were on course to view one of the Japanese classics.
Next week is the Yasuda Kinen which sees the return of Eishin Preston and 2 runners from Hong Kong.

[breezin']

For the Derby, mustn't forget to mention that Prime Minister Koizumi was on hand and had the crowd turned around as one and waving and cheering up at him as he waved from the top of the stands. Koizumi presented winning owner Tanimizu with the Derby trophy in the awards ceremony, even going out in the pouring rain that started just after Take left the track. This is the first time I can remember a prime minister having been on hand at a big race, at least in view of the public. Great stuff.

[hobbes]

re Koizumi i thought he had begun his term with an extremely high public approval but same had declined to quite low levels, so slightly surprising that the crowd would unaminously show their support. still as you say breezin, ggod stuff.

[breezin']

Yes, Hobbes, it was exciting but I don't think the crowd's response had much of anything to do with Koizumi's popularity. Everyone is up for the race, they're looking for something to cheer at, it's very rare for anyone of such importance to be at the race (usually it's just entertainment stars). In fact, I was very surprised to learn that he was at the track. Even the emperor doesn't show for the Emperor's Cup.

[Horny Harry]

They should take along that cute little baby to the races to give the crowd something to cheer at!
Just out of interests sake, where did the tradition of waving bits of rolled up paper in the air come from? This only happens in Japan as far as I can tell.

[breezin']

It apparently was the first time in 44 years that a prime minister in office has attended the Derby.
The "bits of rolled up paper" are racing sheets and racing programs. Seems like the most likely thing to roll up and wave at a racetrack.
The "cute little baby" Harry refers to is I believe the Crown Prince and Princess', not anyone belonging to the prime minister.

[specialweek]

Looking at this Sunday's Group 1
Eishin Preston has been training in brilliant fashion and Fukunaga(jock) says he is better than ever and does not think either HK horse will pose a threat.
Interestingly, Northern Dancer line horses have done well in this race in recent times and there are four runners related in the race.
EP, my old mate Zenno El Cid, Jeune King Prawn and Magnaten.
The Keio Hai used to be a good guide to the race but since 2000 there is only a 2 week gap between the Yasuda Kinen and the Keio Hai and since 2000(only 2 years granted) the top 2 finishes in the Keio do not figure in the finish of the Yasuda.
Having said that I believe EP is a special but he is a little too excited at the moment. If he settles well in the first 200 he will be a very good thing. But there is a late developer by the name of Grass World by Rahy that I really like even though he is 6 and also finished 2nd in the Keio.
SW's tips:
Eishin Preston
Grass World
Magnaten
Dantsu Flame
Of course this may change on the day when I take a look at them
SW

[ataman]

special week. where do you get the training data from?

[specialweek]

ataman,
There are various publications that post reports daily online.
Most are by track watchers or journalists with a particular specialty and others are conversations between to journalists from different regions expressing their opinions.
I tend to check times, jocks comment and trainers overall assessment.
I use nikkansports.
All these sites are in Japanese.
SW

[hobbes]

There are various publications that post reports daily online.
SW are the reports in the form of #'s or just comments ??

[specialweek]

hobbes,
Some reports list times on certain courses, e.g. dirt course, woodchip course, sloped course, turf.
But not all reports for all horses are supplied.
Normally I check each day and usually the fancied runners plus certain journalist's dark horses are mentioned as well.
As you know most of the track reports are about horses running in the upcoming weekend but sometimes info about future races and a horses preparation are mentioned.
As I have mentioned before if you check out G Horse search(all in Japanese) this will take you to many sites all providing varying kinds of info.
Good Luck
SW
By the way will HK be betting on and covering the Yasuda Kinen

[Scarper]

i dont think we can bet on the YK. we have sat night racing here.

[imaufo]

Prime Minister attends the Derby
Mr. Junichiro Koizumi recently became the first Japanese Prime Minister since 1958 to go to the races when he attended the Japanese Derby. Racing is almost regarded as a sin in Japan and therefore the racecourse is the last place for any dignified politician to be seen but Mr. Koizumi is a different sort of politician as he often proves through his actions.
It seems that as his extraordinary popularity and approval rate have waned he has been doing a few " different" lately. Anyway, he attended the race at Tokyo Racecourse and even made a winning bet. He said after words" it was fun and I bet on an 1-8 quinella as my birthday is 1st of August". He bet 20,000 yen and left the course with 40,000 yen. <28MAY02>

[Scarper]

"Racing is almost regarded as a sin in Japan "
you would never guess given the money in the japanese racing and breeding industries!

[breezin']

I was going to object to that comment but didn't as I considered it purely subjective but now that Scarper has commented I will.
Racing is not "almost regarded as a sin in Japan." In fact, the whole idea of sin is not really applicable here. It is more a question of appropriateness for any given situation and transgressions are frowned on but not considered "a sin" anymore than poor manners are in any Western country. You may be able to say that flaunting your betting habit would not be looked on well but is it anywhere? Especially in Japan, and especially these days, the image of racing has changed because it is no longer considered mere gambling. There is that of course, but there is more. There was more earlier too but the average person never ventured close enough to realize that. In any case, racing is not regarded as a sin, or anywhere near it. If imaufo feels so it may be a an isolated case or circle.
[ May 31, 2002: Message edited by: breezin' ]

[specialweek]

breezin'
Relax
I believe ima was quoting an article by someone with bad info.
The stigma with gambling does still exist but a SIN, No way.
By the way, the PM bet 5,000 yen on two bracket Q's, 1-8, 2-6.
2-6 was successful at 800 yen which means he collected 20,000 winning 15,000 yen about $120 US.
I have had another look at the Yasuda Kinen and still believe Eishin Preston is a good thing.
Second place is a raffle but I still like Grass World, then Magnaten, Dantsu Flame and an addition Mellenium Bio.

[imaufo]

Sorry to get your feathers ruffled breezin.
The article below was merely a cut and paste job from a Japanese site that I found on the internet.
( appologies for not listing the source)
I thought that the comment was intersting regarding the social mores of Japan and may make for good discussion ( which, as it turns out, was a correct summation.)
I believe that Japanese religions dont really teach the concept of sin as opposed to the Judeo/ Christian religious faiths
Any way, its hard to see thousands apon thousands of Japanese racing fans all squeezed up together at the track and waving their bits of rolled up paper in the air happily and not be firm in the belief that Japanes fans love their racing.( ?) :p :p :p
[ June 02, 2002: Message edited by: imaufo ]

[imaufo]

Jeune King Prawn, Red Pepper hoping to score
Nick Pulford
Most of the sporting attention in Japan this afternoon will be focused on England's opening World Cup match, but on the racetrack Hong Kong is hoping to score an away goal when Jeune King Prawn and Red Pepper line up in the Yasuda Kinen over a mile at Tokyo's Fuchu racecourse.
The Hong Kong pair will be bidding to emulate Fairy King Prawn's stunning performance in the same race back in 2000 - when the star miler became the only SAR-trained horse to win an overseas Group One race - but victory this time against truly world-class opposition would be an even bigger upset.
The home defence in the 18-runner lineup is led by Eishin Preston, well known to Hong Kong racegoers as the winner of the Hong Kong Mile and Queen Elizabeth II Cup this season, and the strong supporting cast includes Zenno El Cid, who finished a disappointing last in the Hong Kong Mile as even-money favourite but can boast an impressive score over Eishin Preston in the Mile Championship in Kyoto last November. The local betting forecast has Eishin Preston as the race favourite at 37-10, with Dantsu Flame next at 41-10, Zenno El Cid at 69-10 and Grass World at 77-10.
Not surprisingly, Red Pepper and Jeune King Prawn are the two longest-priced runners in the field at forecast odds of 32-1 and 39-1 respectively. Even so, hopes are high for at least respectable performances from the Hong Kong pair in the $11.2 million contest.
Brian Kan Ping-chee, the five-time champion trainer making his first overseas foray with Red Pepper, said yesterday: "Everything's fine with the horse. He weighs only two pounds more than his optimum weight in Hong Kong and I'm glad the weather has been good these few days as he doesn't like soft ground."
On the race strategy for jockey Gerald Mosse, Kan added: "Draw one for Red Pepper is not so good, a bit to the outside like seven, eight or nine would have been better. But the races here tend to have a lot of speed so I think they will spread out and he'll get room on the inner. I will ask Mosse to ride as he sees it. I have prepared the horse to the best of my ability."
Mosse hopes barrier one will not be too much of a disadvantage. "The track is a bit cut up on the inside but for the race I think they're going to move the rail, so the inside could be the best place to be," the Frenchman said. "Red Pepper didn't get the best run in the Hong Kong Mile when he finished sixth behind Eishin Preston and I'll be trying to make sure we get a clear race. He is one of the best milers in Hong Kong, so hopefully we can get a good result."
While Mosse can boast a wealth of international experience, today's race marks the career highpoint of Jeune King Prawn's jockey Simon Yim Hin-keung, a rare local rider to take part in a major overseas race.
Trainer Ivan Allan, though, has every confidence in the former dual champion apprentice. "I think Simon Yim is a very good rider and if he had more chances on better horses, he would be a lot better known in the racing world," Allan said.
The trainer, bidding for another Yasuda Kinen following Fairy King Prawn's success, added: "I am not worried about Jeune King Prawn racing left-handed for the first time. He didn't have any difficulty going that way when Simon rode him on Friday. In the race, the plan is to sit off the pace and wait for his chance in the straight."
Racing fans can watch a replay of the Yasuda Kinen during the Racing To Win programme on Tuesday (ATV World Channel 11.45pm-12.45am; Cable TV Channel 18 9-10pm). There will also be an on-course broadcast of the race during the Sha Tin meeting on Wednesday night.

[jack]

Japanese keep Yasuda Kinen at home
2 June 2002
JAPANESE horses made a clean sweep of the 52nd running of the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo racecourse today.
Jockey Hiroki Goto punches the air on the grey Admire Cozzene after his success in the Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo
The winner was the 15-1 chance Admire Cozzene who was superbly handled by the young Japanese jockey Hiroki Goto who broke into tears after crossing the finishing line.
Second, a neck behind, was the popular Dantsu Flame (Kenichi Ikezoe) and third was Millennium Bio (Yoshitomi Shibata).
The race favourite, Eishin Preston, fresh from his triumph in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup in Hong Kong, got too far back in the early stages and ran on late to finish fifth.
Hong Kong was represented by Ivan Allan's Jeune King Prawn and Brian Kan's Red Pepper who had finished first and second respectively in last month's Champions Mile.
Both had drawn inside barriers, which at Tokyo racecourse at least, is of little help. And this is precisely what happened.
Jumping from gate five, Jeune King Prawn (Simon Yim) soon found himself in third place outside leader Divine Light and without cover. Red Pepper (Gerald Mosse) also started well from his rails box but was eased back to race in sixth spot with plenty of cover.
When the field swung for home, Jeune King Prawn made a forward move but was soon found wanting and just paddled to the winning post to finish 10th. Red Pepper was boxed in on the rails and kept on one-paced to finish 12th.
Jeune King Prawn passes by a banner offering him support from his Hong Kong fans
"I think the Hong Kong horses ran creditable races," said Executive Director, Racing, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. "The inside draws for Jeune King Prawn and Red Pepper were of no help as the winner and the runner-up were drawn on the wide outside. I think that Jeune King Prawn was a little too handy and too keen at the beginning of the race and this cost him too much energy."
"But all this is good experience for our younger horses," he said. "In Japan, the preparation of horses for big races is hugely different as they are saddled and walk around one hour and ten minutes before the race. Young horses, especially, can learn a lot from this."
Tokyo racecourse is to be closed after next week's meeting for refurbishment and redecoration but will be reopened in time for the next Yasuda Kinen.

[jack]

What a good idea it was to take Simon Yim over to ride Jeune King Prawn. The horse probably had litle hope anyway, but Yim made his prospects about the same as Macau ever winning the football World Cup.

[specialweek]

Well Eishin did what he usually does, that is not win first up and since he has now been nominated for the Takarazuka Kinen later this month at Hanshin maybe this was a prep race.
Great to see the cheers of joy from Hiroki Goto in riding his first G1 winner.(compared with my tears of sadness, going 2,3,4,5 boxed)
Goto will be heading to U.K. this week to commence a spell of OS riding after making friends with Mr. Fallon on his recent trip to Japan.
By the way this years Yasuda was almost run like a 1800m race and a lot of the runners looked very ordinary incl. HK reps.
The race was almost a second outside the record with no interference so thank god the season in Tokyo area has come almost to an end, with one more, the G3 Epsom next Sunday.
The next G1 is the Takarazuka with Jungle Pocket taking on Eishin Preston, then JP on to the King George in July. Will he handle the undulation?

[specialweek]

All honors to Admire Cozzene as the horse was 2yr old of the year in '98 and then had two leg fractures back to back, so to recover fully and win over the mile was a tremendous comeback story.
Plus the jockey who has scored his first G1 in ten years. He is extremely popular with all involved in racing, especially the women even though he married young and has a young boy which he adores.
I wonder how well Goto will do in the U.K.?
Specialweek(me not the horse) will be going into partial hibernation as I tend to not follow the summer racing season after the Takarazuka Kinen later this month but I will check the site from time to time to see what is happening elsewhere.

[masun]

SW before you go into hibernation can you please explain to us the difference between JAR and local government races? Is it sort of like provincial and metro races in Australia?

[specialweek]

Masun,
How right you are and I believe the provincial tracks are suffering.
You should check out the JAIR site and this will take you on a journey of all JRA tracks plus racing schedule for JRA/NAR with interesting articles in the journal that is published periodically.
Let me know if you have trouble finding it but it is at www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/ (http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/)
then just select English.
SW

[breezin']

Masun,
There was a recent article in The Japan Times, an English-language daily in Tokyo, that talks about local racing. Here's the address:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fl20020512a5.htm
[ June 03, 2002: Message edited by: breezin' ]

[masun]

Many thanks for the links, breezin' and SW.
Falling attendances and betting stakes, as well as a disinterested younger generation, are cited as the main contributing factors.
This seems to be a universal problem that racing has to deal with in different parts of the world.

[imaufo]

This is part of the article....
It soon transpires, however, that I need not have worried. According to one elderly visitor the wild and reckless betting days of the bubble years are long gone. "Take a look," he says pointing to the discarded betting slips on the terraces. "It'll take you a while to find one that's more than 100 yen."
Japan's recession has dealt a heavy blow to the likes of this track, one of 27 in Japan operated by local governments. According to a recent Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries report, each of the 24 local governments that run the racecourses were in the red in 2000.
Financial woes have already forced the closure of three local tracks in the last 12 months -- Niigata and Sanjo racecourses in Niigata Prefecture and Nakatsu in Oita Prefecture. Meanwhile, the Saitama-run Urawa Racing Association, which oversees Urawa Racecourse, posted debts of 460 million yen last year, and officials announced that it may face closure after this year. Tracks in Yamagata and Aichi prefectures reportedly face a similar plight.

[Reraise]

Special Week,
Do you know what other runners are probables for the Takarazuka Kinen? Can't wait for the face off of Jungle Pocket and Eishin Preston. Also, JP in the King George. Take should be coming back to ride him in two weeks, correct?

[breezin']

Reraise,
I started another topic for the Takarazuka. I don't think Eishin Preston is running. Check out the other post.