registered for the Takarazuka

[breezin']

Here are the current horses registered for the upcoming Takarazuka Memorial.
There are 15 horses registered. The numbers in the parentheses are the number of fan votes received. Weight to be carried follows, then jockey.
Mitsuaki Silence is from the local racing scene at Katsumatsu racetrack.
(37) Active Bio 58 Goto
(225) Win Marvelous 58
(4) Air Shakur 58
(8) Sunrise Pegasus 58 Ebina
(1) Jungle Pocket 58 Y. Take
(9) Dantsu Flame 58 Ikezoe
(17) Tsurumaru Boy 58
(40) Tenzan Seiza 58 Shii
(26) Tokai Oza 58
(56) Tokai Point 58
(54) Fusaichi Run Heart 58 Eda
(30) Hot Secret 58 Y. Shibata
(14) Machikane Kinnohoshi 58 Okabe
----- Mitsuaki Silence 58 Kawahara
(35) Lohengrin 53 N. Yokoyama

[Reraise]

just read that Kent Desormeaux is scheduled to ride in japan the weekend of the 22nd. He bowed out of a jockey competition to ride in japan. So which horse is he riding, possibly in this race?
Can anyone find out?
Thanks!

[cheesebeast]

According to racingpost.co.uk website, Jungle Pocket will miss most of this summer's racing due to a physical problem.

[breezin']

Yes, it's true. Jungle Pocket and Sunrise Pegasus are both out of the Takarazuka.

[cheesebeast]

ASCOT’S quest to attract the world’s best racehorses has suffered yet another cruel blow after Japanese star Jungle Pocket was ruled out of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on July 27.
The news comes just 24 hours after American ace Western Pride was virtually ruled out of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday, while compatriot Caller One is facing a battle against time to be ready for the Golden Jubilee Stakes a week on Saturday.
Jungle Pocket, winner of last year’s Japan Cup and Japan Derby, had been quoted at 10-1 for the King George by Coral.
However, the four-year-old has suffered a setback as owner Yomoji Saito and trainer Sakae Watanabe announced in a joint statement.
“We found that his physical condition wasvery bad after training.
“He should rest this summer to recover his condition. Now he will miss the Takarazuka Kinen next week and we will cancel his trip to the UK.”
Jungle Pocket’s trip to Britain had been inspired by a visit to Japan by Ascot clerk of the course Nick Cheyne earlier this year.
“I am very, very sorry for the connections of Jungle Pocket who were extremely enthusiastic about their trip,” said Cheyne.
“They were here just 10 days ago on a ‘recce’ and they were very, very happy.
“They were delighted with what they found and I have been speaking to Mr Saito almost daily, I was talking to him only yesterday.
“We were just organising accommodation for the staff in Newmarket when suddenly we got the news.
“We were very excited about Jungle Pocket coming to Ascot as he is a top-class turf horse. It is very, very sad and I hope he will be able to come next year.”

[Ant]

How disappointing; I was planning a trip to see Jungle Pocket run in Osaka.
Now the Takarazuka field looks awful, probably the weakest in years.

[breezin']

Oh, by the way, I believe Desormeaux is on Air Shakur.

[phoenix]

[quote]Originally posted by breezin':
Oh, by the way, I believe Desormeaux is on Air Shakur.
Breezin,
This will probably upset you. I review Californian Racing intensively - Kent makes a lot of mistakes!, his whip strength is right up there, but some of his pace/trip decisions leave a lot to be desired.
Ready for incoming fire,
Phoenix

[breezin']

Phoenix, Why would that upset me? Besides, you have to realize I was here for Desormeaux's classic mistake in the Japan Cup aboard Kotashaan. Now, that's one he has had a hard time living down!

[Reraise]

I respect your opinion about Desormeaux, Phoenix but I believe he is one of the best turf riders in California. Sure it helps that he gets to ride the best mounts here in California.
Has he made bad riding decisions? Absolutely. On the Belmont undercard he had a horse full of run but was pinned between horses; couldn't go up the rail; couldn't shift out and make a run. Had to sit and finally kicked it in in the final 50 yards to get the show dough. Should have won easily.
How does that translate to racing in Japan? Racing in the US is usually contested differently than in other parts of the world. Speed is an integral part of the races, whether it be on turf or on dirt. The jocks use different tactics and press the pace.
The layout of the track also is a factor. Even though almost every turf race is run on an oval, some tracks have tight turns; when the inner rail is moved out from its normal position, that can enhance the speed horses on the turf. On some tracks, going four-wide is a no-no, no matter how good the horse is. And on others, going wide is better than skimming the fence.
So, it all depends. Some jocks can get the unlikeliest horses to win, depending on the situation of each particular race. And sometimes, they make glaring mistakes when the best horse should have romped.
Desormeaux is no different.
[ June 17, 2002: Message edited by: Reraise ]