The definition of “trip on time” was perfected by Christophe Lemaire during Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1) October 30 at Tokyo Racecourse.
Long-lived, Lemaire’s mount, fecesand the rest of the school of 15 horses is at least 15 lengths behind the secessionist leader Panthalassa and as that continued to go well, the cause seemed hopeless.
But Lemaire, as familiar with the Tokyo layout as any native Japanese driver, has done just that. The early lane climb began to affect Panthalassa and the Equinox began to eat away at outside competitors.
Judging by the judges, Equinox won by an official score of 1, with all of that difference earned in the last few steps. Panthalassa holds second place, a neck in the front Danon Belugawith Jack d’Or and the winner of Tokyo Yushun (Japan Derby-G1) in 2021 Shahryar Wednesday and Thursday.
🇯🇵 Unbelievable! Equinox and @ christo68914587 filming in Panthalassa in the final steps to landing Tenno Sho Autumn Grade One in Tokyo early this morning… # # @netkeiba pic.twitter.com/CAvYVHT9pk
– At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 30, 2022
Lemaire confessed after the race that he was suspicious when he sent Equinox out to capture Panthalassa.
“I’m glad we caught Panthalassa,” he said. “When I saw him in front of us after turning into a straight line, the large gap worried me a bit. But my pony did his best and showed an amazing leg turn. .”
Equinox covered 2,000 meters of fine to firm turf in 1:57.5, winning first grade at the 1st grade level while facing a well rated field of that level in the international arena. economic. Panthalassa won the DP World-sponsored Dubai Turf (G1) while Shahryar took on the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), both in the Dubai World Cup (G1) program in March.
By contrast, the race was only the fifth of Equinox’s career and his first since he finished second at Tokyo Yushun in May. He opened his account with 2 to 2 when he was a minor, then came in second Geoglyphs at Satsuki Sho (Japan Two Thousand Guineas, G1) in preparation for the Derby.
After those efforts, coach Tetsuya Kimura realized that a break was needed.
“Since he was still unwell in the spring and also not fit to participate in Kikuka Sho (G1), I proposed a 2,000 meter race and aimed him here,” Kimura said. “He came back from the ranch 40 days before race day. Although he’s not significantly bigger than he was in the spring, he’s grown somewhat, taller and the frame is bigger as well.”
Panthalassa’s trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, predicted in advance of the race that his pony’s pony tactic could be problematic in Tenno Sho.
Yahagi said: “Tokyo 2,000 meters is not easy, and lately the races and venues are favoring the speed chasers not the front runners… I think we’ll let him run the race. his normal racing. That’s what fans are hoping to see and it suits him. “
Lemaire said victory was the immediate harbinger of Equinox, a son of Kitsan Black (JPN) from King Halo’s (JPN) mare Chateau Blanche.
“If he comes out of this race safely and well,” Lemaire said, “he has every chance to do well in the Japan Cup (G1) or Arima Kinen (G1). This is his first win. his first in Grade 1 but definitely not his Last.”
Equinox was bred by Northern Farm and raced for Silk Racing Co. Ltd.
