Do Deuce primed ahead of the G1 Takarazuka Kinen
Tuesday, 18 June, 2024 16:50
The Takarazuka Kinen is a hugely prestigious race which marks the end of the first half of the JRA racing calendar. This year, the star of the race is Do Deuce. Aiming for first Takarazuka crown since Deep Impact in 2006, Yutaka Take will be onboard in an attempt to win the race for a fourth time.
Do Deuce, rose to the top of his generation in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes as a two-year-old and the Japanese Derby at three. He was a force to be reckoned with in last year's Arima Kinen, which featured a field of eight G1 horses. After finishing fifth in the Dubai Turf, he has long been aimed at the Takarazuka Kinen since his return to Japan. On all known form, Do Deuce is the horse to beat in this year's renewal.
In his last start, the Dubai Turf, he made a slow start and was trapped on the inside throughout the race. In the straight he was stuck behind a wall of horses, he was switched to the outside before quickening sharply, but it proved to be too little too late. "It was a frustrating race. It was not a defeat in which he gave his all". Yutaka Take said while biting his lip.
"Fortunately, there was no major damage to his condition from the overseas trip, but more than that, Do Deuce's continues mature physically. When he returned from the farm, he usually had a girth and a body that looked young, but lately it has disappeared, especially this time," said assistant Oe. While his massive musculature remains, his body has is sharper than usual.
As if to confirm the assistant Oe's words, Do Deuce showed his best workout in the week-long training session. He chased Vigorous Dancer and Satono Strasse from behind on the Ritto woodchip course and immediately overtook them when the sign was given. 6F79.8-35.2-10.8 was an excellent time. He responded well and looked calm and comfortable. There's nothing to say," said the jockey Yutaka Take, and Trainer Tomomichi agreed. "He looked like a miler in Dubai, but this time he is sharpened and has the body for the 2200 meters," Tomomichi nodded in satisfaction.
The race will be held in Kyoto racecourese for the first time in 18 years (since 2006) as the Hanshin racecourse is undergoing renovations. With a G1 on the line at four major tracks in Japan after Hanshin, Tokyo and Nakayama. "Horses like this don't come along very often, so I'd like to win," said Yutaka Take. Only great horses of the past, such as Orfevre and Kitasan Black, were able to achieve this feat. Although it is only one of his options, he has plans to challenge for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the fall, as he did the year before. First, we would like to see him "completely conquer" Japan by winning the Grand Prix in the fall and spring in succession, and then spread his wings to the rest of the world.
Do Deuce, rose to the top of his generation in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes as a two-year-old and the Japanese Derby at three. He was a force to be reckoned with in last year's Arima Kinen, which featured a field of eight G1 horses. After finishing fifth in the Dubai Turf, he has long been aimed at the Takarazuka Kinen since his return to Japan. On all known form, Do Deuce is the horse to beat in this year's renewal.
In his last start, the Dubai Turf, he made a slow start and was trapped on the inside throughout the race. In the straight he was stuck behind a wall of horses, he was switched to the outside before quickening sharply, but it proved to be too little too late. "It was a frustrating race. It was not a defeat in which he gave his all". Yutaka Take said while biting his lip.
"Fortunately, there was no major damage to his condition from the overseas trip, but more than that, Do Deuce's continues mature physically. When he returned from the farm, he usually had a girth and a body that looked young, but lately it has disappeared, especially this time," said assistant Oe. While his massive musculature remains, his body has is sharper than usual.
As if to confirm the assistant Oe's words, Do Deuce showed his best workout in the week-long training session. He chased Vigorous Dancer and Satono Strasse from behind on the Ritto woodchip course and immediately overtook them when the sign was given. 6F79.8-35.2-10.8 was an excellent time. He responded well and looked calm and comfortable. There's nothing to say," said the jockey Yutaka Take, and Trainer Tomomichi agreed. "He looked like a miler in Dubai, but this time he is sharpened and has the body for the 2200 meters," Tomomichi nodded in satisfaction.
The race will be held in Kyoto racecourese for the first time in 18 years (since 2006) as the Hanshin racecourse is undergoing renovations. With a G1 on the line at four major tracks in Japan after Hanshin, Tokyo and Nakayama. "Horses like this don't come along very often, so I'd like to win," said Yutaka Take. Only great horses of the past, such as Orfevre and Kitasan Black, were able to achieve this feat. Although it is only one of his options, he has plans to challenge for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the fall, as he did the year before. First, we would like to see him "completely conquer" Japan by winning the Grand Prix in the fall and spring in succession, and then spread his wings to the rest of the world.
Article Creds:Daily Sports