Do Deuce, ridden by Yutaka Take, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated 44th Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse. This remarkable achievement placed the five-year-old Japanese-trained horse in the Top Ten of the world rankings. With a last-to-first victory, Do Deuce showcased his exceptional skills and determination.

Do Deuce's Journey to Racing Glory

Japan Cup Victory: A Last-to-First Feat

Do Deuce's victory in the Japan Cup was a true testament to his racing prowess. Anchored at the rear initially, he managed to outshine the competition down the Tokyo straight. The last three furlongs were clocked at an astonishing 33.4s, with Do Deuce himself completing the last three in a breathtaking 32.7s. This display of speed and tenacity allowed him to hold off fellow G1 winner Durezza by a neck. Durezza's rider, William Buick, deserves credit for his mid-race move when he realized the pace wasn't up to par. Shin Emperor, who showed up better in third after making the running, just ahead of dual fillies' Classic winner Cervinia, added to the excitement of the race.Long regarded as a top-class performer, Do Deuce rediscovered his form this autumn. After a setback following his Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) success in 2022, when he bettered former world #1 Equinox, he had a series of challenges. He misfired badly when sent to France for an Arc campaign and then struggled at home last term. However, a summer break worked wonders, and he returned with an eye-catching performance to win the Tenno Sho (Autumn) before claiming the Japan Cup this weekend.Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, who won his second Japan Cup after Cheval Grand in 2017, expressed his pride. "We had a miserable experience overseas, but this time we were running on a Japanese track, and there was no way he was going to be defeated," he said. "This horse gets better with every start – I had thought that his last start was very much his best performance, but he even exceeded that in the Japan Cup. I hope that he is able to show his very best in his final Arima Kinen."Yutaka Take, a 55-year-old idol, also shared his thoughts. "I love horse racing and always have this feeling of wanting to win, which is something I've been able to keep," he said. "That's the number one thing in why I've continued my racing career, and when I come across a wonderful horse like Do Deuce, that feeling gets stronger."

Overseas Contenders and Their Challenges

In the race, the overseas trio of Goliath, Auguste Rodin, and Fantastic Moon faced their own set of difficulties. Goliath, the King George winner (#12 from #11, -5pt), did best of the overseas trio in sixth place. After a winter break, he'll be back on the international trail in 2025. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard commented, "He didn't break well from the gate and after following a very slow pace, he couldn't show his usual performance and late speed in the end." Christophe Soumillon added, "He was unable to get into a rhythm after following a race with no pace and used up in the critical stages. It didn't go smoothly for him at all."Auguste Rodin, a son of the late, great Japanese equine icon Deep Impact (#27 from #24, -5pt), produced only a flat effort in the race. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said, "Ryan [Moore] said to me that it was a bit of a mess – the race was very slow early and it just didn't suit him and it didn't work out for him."German-trained Fantastic Moon was 12th of 14. Jockey Rene Piechulek said, "The pace we had expected was never there – the pace at least in Japanese standards was extremely slow. So the horse never had the chance to make use of his late speed."

Do Deuce's Career Trajectory

Do Deuce's career has been a rollercoaster ride. After his Tokyo Yushun success, he faced setbacks but managed to bounce back. His performance in the Japan Cup was a significant milestone in his career, and he now has one final opportunity to ascend the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary list in the Arima Kinen on December 22.Unlike traditional methods of racehorse rankings, the TRC Global Rankings are a measure of an individual's level of achievement over a rolling three-year period. These rankings provide a principled hierarchy using statistical learning techniques and update automatically each week. Do Deuce's success in the Japan Cup further solidifies his position in these rankings.In conclusion, Do Deuce's victory in the 44th Japan Cup is a remarkable achievement that has captured the attention of the racing world. His journey from setbacks to glory is a testament to his resilience and talent. As he prepares for his final race in the Arima Kinen, all eyes will be on this exceptional horse.