The Takarazuka Kinen (G1) gives Japanese racing fans the chance to vote for the horses they want to see run in the 2,200-meter (about 1 3/8 mile) turf contest, and this year they has achieved his wish.
The 65th running was June 23 at Kyoto Racecourse, a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) November 2 at Del Marfeatured Coconut Food, who topped the poll with more than 238,000 votes. My 5 year old son The Cry of the Heart get out whitewash mare Dust and diamonds , drew gate number 4 in a projected field of 13 for Takarazuka with Yutaka Take booked to go. He will run for the first time since finishing fifth in the Dubai Turf (G1T) on World Cup (G1) night at Meydan Racecourse.
He ended 2023 with a win in the Arima Kinen (G1), his first top score since 2021, and finished fourth in the Japan Cup (G1).
Coach Yasuo Tomomichi said the performance in Dubai could be better than what Do Duce showed.
“In the last home match, he couldn’t find a way to pass and finish well,” Tomomichi said. “He returned to Japan without any problems and has been resting at Shigaraki North Farm.”
Although he is the favourite, it remains to be seen whether he is the best as there are several other Grade 1 winners in the field with solid claims.
Bellagio Opera House And Rousham Park escaped a one-two finish in the March 31 Osaka Hai (G1) at Hanshin. Justin Palace won the Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1) in 2023 and was last seen finishing fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T).
Bellagio Opera trainer Hiroyuki Uemura seemed more concerned with Mother Nature than Do Deuce after his 4-year-old colt Lord Kanaloa drew right inside it.
“The question is what he can do against strong horses like Do Deuce,” Uemura said. “He can run from any position in the race but he may not be very strong in hot weather. So that’s something to consider on race day.”
Rousham Park are still looking for their first Grade 1 win and assistant coach Hiroyuki Yamazaki lamented his defeat in Osaka Hai.
“Last time he ran well but just lost a bit of momentum from the fourth corner and was running straight home, which is unfortunate. However, there can be no doubting his strength. He again in good enough shape to run a big race,” Yamazaki said.
And one to watch: Fighta 5 year old child by King Kamehameha , won three races, despite falling a bit in the standings. Those from the Japan Racing Association pointed out that Australian Damien Lane would race and that Struve had won every time a foreign driver took charge.
The race has significance for the horse racing championship. Yuga Kawada leads Christophe Lemaire by a win in that contest, 80-79. Kawada horseback riding New Year’s Eve, a 5-year-old mare who finished third in the Osaka Hai in her last race. Lemaire, who lost significant time after injury in Dubai, partners with Justin Palace.
Feces won the 2023 Takarazuka Kinen amid a run of six consecutive wins at the top level, earning him the title of Japanese Horse of the Year (as well as the Federation’s 2023 World’s Greatest Racehorse title International Horse Racing). Runner-up in that race, Across the seven seasmoved on to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp, where Dream journey horse finished fourth.
