Team Romantic Warrior full of confidence ahead of G1 Yasuda Kinen
Wednesday, 29 May, 2024 21:55
Romantic Warrior, a champion horse from Hong Kong with seven G1 victories to his name, showcased his prowess during his final fast track work on May 28 at Tokyo Racecourse. He pulled four lengths clear of his stablemate, underscoring his readiness for the G1 Yasuda Kinen. Trained by Danny Shum and ridden by James McDonald, Romantic Warrior has primarily competed over 2000 meters but both trainer and jockey expressed confidence in his suitability for this race. He aims to become the fourth foreign horse to win the Yasuda Kinen since Bullish Luck in 2006.
Romantic Warrior demonstrated his dominance by quickly distancing himself from his stablemate, Romantic Charm, during their workout on the Tokyo turf. Starting two lengths behind, he was brought to the outside in the straight and accelerated sharply to finish four lengths ahead.
Trainer Shum is brimming with confidence. "The jockey rode him, and he's in very good condition. He's healthy and enjoying the new environment." Fresh off a victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup four weeks ago, where he defeated three Japanese raiders, Romantic Warrior remains in peak form, evidenced by his well-defined muscles. Jockey McDonald echoed Shum's sentiments, noting, "His condition hasn't dropped since his last race. His movement was excellent. It's rare to see him in such good shape. He should perform well this weekend."
Shum, who visited Japan as an assistant trainer when Fairy King Prawn won the Yasuda Kinen in 2000, remarked on the improved conditions for foreign horses. "The environment has changed significantly," he said, noting the advantage of having an international stabling area at Tokyo Racecourse.
Although Romantic Warrior hasn't raced at a mile since finishing second in a local G1 last January, McDonald isn't concerned. "He's versatile with the track and distance. I think these conditions suit him perfectly. He also handled the left-handed track well, winning the G1 Cox Plate in October last year." With no visible weaknesses, the connections are confident. Romantic Warrior is poised to be one of the most formidable international challengers in the history of the Yasuda Kinen.
Romantic Warrior demonstrated his dominance by quickly distancing himself from his stablemate, Romantic Charm, during their workout on the Tokyo turf. Starting two lengths behind, he was brought to the outside in the straight and accelerated sharply to finish four lengths ahead.
Trainer Shum is brimming with confidence. "The jockey rode him, and he's in very good condition. He's healthy and enjoying the new environment." Fresh off a victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup four weeks ago, where he defeated three Japanese raiders, Romantic Warrior remains in peak form, evidenced by his well-defined muscles. Jockey McDonald echoed Shum's sentiments, noting, "His condition hasn't dropped since his last race. His movement was excellent. It's rare to see him in such good shape. He should perform well this weekend."
Shum, who visited Japan as an assistant trainer when Fairy King Prawn won the Yasuda Kinen in 2000, remarked on the improved conditions for foreign horses. "The environment has changed significantly," he said, noting the advantage of having an international stabling area at Tokyo Racecourse.
Although Romantic Warrior hasn't raced at a mile since finishing second in a local G1 last January, McDonald isn't concerned. "He's versatile with the track and distance. I think these conditions suit him perfectly. He also handled the left-handed track well, winning the G1 Cox Plate in October last year." With no visible weaknesses, the connections are confident. Romantic Warrior is poised to be one of the most formidable international challengers in the history of the Yasuda Kinen.
Article Creds:Daily Sports