The avid Japanese racing followers will need to have been worn out from their latest Breeders’ Cup triumphs as they handicapped the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) Nov. 14 at Hanshin Racecourse as a result of they definitely missed the mark on the end.
A parade of huge lengthy photographs, led by Akai Ito at odds of almost 65-1, left the better-fancied fillies and mares properly up the turf course on the finish of the two,200 meters (about 1 3/8 miles).
Akai Ito, with Hideaki Miyuki driving, missed the break and settled properly again within the 17-horse subject, racing exterior rivals. The 4-year-old daughter of Kizuna found another gear entering the final bend, hit the front about 200 meters out after drifting in a bit, and held on well to win by two lengths. The final time on the good to firm going was 2:12.1.
Stellaria, a 3-year-old also by Kizuna, raced evenly behind the leaders to finish second, a neck in front of the 4-year-old Epiphaneia filly Clavel. The favorite, Lei Papale , was sixth. Second choice Akaitorino Musume finished seventh and the third-favorite in the wagering, Win Marilyn, faded badly to beat only one rival.
As she made her move near the 200-meter marker, Akai Ito crossed in front of Akaitorino Musume, who also was poised to mount a challenge, causing her to lose some momentum.
Miyuki stated he maintained confidence in his lengthy shot contender even via issues did not go completely in keeping with plan.
“As she gave the impression to be a bit tense after I educated her the opposite day, I attempted to race her in her personal rhythm,” the jockey stated of Akai Ito. “Although I couldn’t break her easily out of the gate, I used to be in a position to finally race her within the supposed place on the backstretch.
“I used to be assured that she is going to stretch properly on the finish and, as a result of it was a grade 1 race, I made my bid sooner than typical,” Miyuki stated. “We have been in a position to take the entrance sooner than I had anticipated and, as there was no horse proper behind us, I simply stored on urging her to go.”
The punters could possibly be excused for overlooking the winner on her document. From nineteen earlier begins she had solely 4 wins and he or she reported seventh in her final race, the Eire Trophy Fuchu Himba Stakes (G2). The QE II was her first begin on the grade 1 degree.
Nonetheless, noting the aggressive make-up of the race, coach Kazuya Nakatake predicted after the barrier draw his filly had a legit probability and even outlined the situation that finally led to victory.
“She’s in good condition and is best for having had a latest race,” Nakatake stated. “I do not suppose there’s a lot distinction between her and the opposite horses on this grade 1. She’ll most likely be held up for a run, so it’s going to be essential for her to discover a good rhythm.”
The race end result was a triumph for Kizuna, a son of the late Deep Affect (JPN), as Akai Ito turned the primary colt or filly by that sire to seize a grade 1 title in Japan. Kizuna received the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) and completed fourth within the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) that autumn. He was Japan’s champion 3-year-old colt that season.
Akai Ito, out of the Symboli Kris S mare Wadjet (JPN), was bred by her owner, Koji Oka.
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