Unrivaled Horse Racing Events Around the World
The Japan Cup
Do Deuce unleashed a furious charge in the stretch, seizing the lead and holding off Shin Emperor by a neck. Durezza led the pack into the straight and finished in a dead heat for second with Shin Emperor. 3-year-old filly Cervinia showed great promise in fourth, and Justin Palace secured fifth. Goliath emerged as the best of the foreigners, finishing sixth, while Auguste Rodin and Fantastic Moon completed the top 11. All international connections attributed their chances to a slow early pace in the 2,000-meter race. Goliath and Fantastic Moon hold entries in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Cup on Dec. 8, with a decision pending on their performance. Do Deuce now has a chance to add to his Grade 1 wins with a potential run in next month's Arima Kinen before his stud career. "The Japan Cup this year was fortunate to have great runners from overseas, raising the race's quality. I feel privileged to have won in such company and sincerely hope the race will continue to be recognized as a leader in the world of racing," said jockey Yutaka Take.International forces' assault on the Japan Cup was a sight to behold. The fierce competition and close finishes added to the excitement of the event. Do Deuce's victory was a testament to his skill and determination, while the performance of the other horses also showcased the depth of talent in the field. The slow early pace may have affected some of the international runners, but it didn't dampen the overall spectacle of the Japan Cup.
The Road to the Roses
The "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby" kicked off on Saturday at Tokyo Racecourse with Natural Rise earning 20 points with a victory in the Cattleya Sho. The Kizuna colt raced off the pace, swung to the outside in the stretch, and found clear sailing. After opening up a big lead, he held off a late bid from Clay King, who was trapped behind horses until the final 200 meters. Natural Rise is now 2-for-2, having been sidelined with minor issues since his first victory in July. Three more races await in the "Road" series, with increasing points on offer. Natural Rise's connections were cautious about endorsing him as a Kentucky Derby candidate but didn't rule it out. "Now that he's won this race, he's eligible to run in the open class. I think of the future races for him, some of which could be in the series. So that's possible," said trainer Keizo Ito.The start of the "Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby" was a significant event in the world of horse racing. Natural Rise's victory showed his potential and set the stage for more exciting races in the series. The different strategies employed by the horses and jockeys added to the intrigue, making it a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts. The future of Natural Rise and his chances in the Kentucky Derby remain uncertain, but his performance on Saturday was a promising start.
Classic
White Abarrio made a dominant comeback in Friday's 7-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park, winning by 10 1/4 lengths. The 5-year-old has been reunited with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. after two unimpressive efforts earlier in the year. The effort on Friday was visually impressive, and Joseph indicated that it would pave the way for White Abarrio to compete in the Grade I Pegasus Invitational and potentially return to the Saudi Cup. However, it's important to note that the race was restricted to exclude the top rungs of the class ladder. It wasn't a high-stakes showdown like Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, but it was still a significant victory for White Abarrio.White Abarrio's return to form was a welcome sight for racing fans. His dominance in the race demonstrated his class and potential. The decision to reunite him with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. seems to have paid off, and his future looks bright. While the race may not have been the most competitive, it was a crucial step in his career and set the stage for bigger and better things to come.
Distaff
Two Sharp proved too strong for seven rivals in Saturday's $300,000 Grade III Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs. The 3-year-old Twirling Candy filly led from the start and crossed the finish line 5 3/4 lengths ahead. She now has three wins and two seconds from five starts. Trainer Phil Bauer plans to enter Two Sharp in the $300,000 La Brea for 3-year-old fillies at 7 furlongs on Boxing Day at Santa Anita.Two Sharp's victory was a dominant display of her talent. She showed exceptional speed and determination from the start, leaving her rivals in her wake. The performance was a testament to her breeding and the training she has received. Her next start in the La Brea is sure to be a highly anticipated event, and fans will be eager to see how she fares against Grade I competition.
Turf
Lagynos tracked the pace in Saturday's $300,000 Grade III Commonwealth Turf Stakes for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs. He split rivals near the furlong pole and surged to the front, winning by 3/4 length over another late-runner. Flavien Prat had the mount for trainer Steve Asmussen and completed the 1 1/16 miles on firm turf in 1:40.83. The Kantharos colt had been winless in nine starts since his last victory 363 days ago.Lagynos' victory was a long-awaited moment for trainer Steve Asmussen. The horse had faced many challenges in his previous starts but finally showed his true potential. His performance on Saturday was a testament to his perseverance and the hard work of his team. It was a great day for Lagynos and his supporters.
Filly & Mare Turf
Mrs. Astor rallied to the lead near the furlong pole in Sunday's $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar and held off the favorite, Forever After All, by a length. Marksman Queen finished third. All three fillies had previously raced at Keeneland. Mrs. Astor, a 4-year-old Lookin At Lucky filly, ran 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:16.82. Vincent Cheminaud rode for trainer Jonathan Thomas.Mrs. Astor's victory was a thrilling finish to the weekend of racing. Her ability to rally and hold off the favorite showed her mettle and determination. The performance was a credit to her trainer and jockey, and it sets the stage for more exciting races in the future. The Filly & Mare Turf events continue to provide exciting competition and showcase the talent of these young fillies.