G1 Takarazuka Kinen preview by our original AI
Wednesday, 19 June, 2024 15:57
Do Deuce (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
This weekend's racing will feature the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Kyoto Racecourse. Here are three notable runners listed by our original AI.
Do Deuce
In his last race, the G1 Dubai Turf, Do Deuce finished fifth. He had a poor start, trailing in the rear on the inside throughout the race. The tightly packed field prevented him from improving his position during the race, and he was almost last at the entrance to the straight. Even then, he faced traffic and was only able to start his run with 100 meters to go. Despite these challenges, he showed a sharp response in the final strides to secure a spot on the board, making his fifth-place finish more commendable than it might seem.
Returning from his overseas campaign, he has been training well on the woodchip track, showing excellent finishing speed and suggesting that his condition is strong. A product of Northern Farm, known for producing successful horses in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen, Do Deuce has already won three G1 races, solidifying his status among the best active horses. If he performs to his potential, a good result is well within reach.
Deep Bond
Deep Bond has a solid record at Kyoto, with 2 wins, 1 second, and 3 third-place finishes in 8 starts. The only times he missed the top three were in the 2020 1Win Class Fukujuso Tokubetsu, where he reportedly injured his hindquarters, and the 2020 G1 Kikuka Sho, where he finished fourth against the Triple Crown winner, Contrail. His performances at Kyoto suggest a strong affinity for the course.
Now seven years old, Deep Bond showed no signs of ageing when finishing third in the recent G1 Tenno Sho (Spring). In that race, he tracked the leader closely throughout and took the lead just before the final straight, showcasing his enduring ability. This will be his third consecutive appearance in the Takarazuka Kinen, having finished fourth in 2022 and fifth in 2023, both times at Hanshin. This year's race at Kyoto, a track where he has proven success, might see him outperform those previous efforts. Despite likely being an outsider, he could be a formidable contender given the conditions.
Bellagio Opera
With 5 wins and a second-place finish from 8 starts, Bellagio Opera has only missed the board twice, a 10th-place finish in the 2023 G1 Satsuki Sho and a fourth in the G1 Japanese Derby. The Satsuki Sho saw him struggle at a pace that disadvantaged front-runners, while his performance in the Japanese Derby, competing against the best of his generation, was still commendable.
In his latest outing, the G1 Osaka Hai, he was pressed early but maintained his rhythm, eventually taking the lead and holding off late challengers to secure his first G1 victory. Currently, in top form, he carries significant momentum. Although this field might be stronger than in his previous race, Bellagio Opera's proven ability suggests he can compete for top honours once again.
Do Deuce
In his last race, the G1 Dubai Turf, Do Deuce finished fifth. He had a poor start, trailing in the rear on the inside throughout the race. The tightly packed field prevented him from improving his position during the race, and he was almost last at the entrance to the straight. Even then, he faced traffic and was only able to start his run with 100 meters to go. Despite these challenges, he showed a sharp response in the final strides to secure a spot on the board, making his fifth-place finish more commendable than it might seem.
Returning from his overseas campaign, he has been training well on the woodchip track, showing excellent finishing speed and suggesting that his condition is strong. A product of Northern Farm, known for producing successful horses in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen, Do Deuce has already won three G1 races, solidifying his status among the best active horses. If he performs to his potential, a good result is well within reach.
Deep Bond
Deep Bond has a solid record at Kyoto, with 2 wins, 1 second, and 3 third-place finishes in 8 starts. The only times he missed the top three were in the 2020 1Win Class Fukujuso Tokubetsu, where he reportedly injured his hindquarters, and the 2020 G1 Kikuka Sho, where he finished fourth against the Triple Crown winner, Contrail. His performances at Kyoto suggest a strong affinity for the course.
Now seven years old, Deep Bond showed no signs of ageing when finishing third in the recent G1 Tenno Sho (Spring). In that race, he tracked the leader closely throughout and took the lead just before the final straight, showcasing his enduring ability. This will be his third consecutive appearance in the Takarazuka Kinen, having finished fourth in 2022 and fifth in 2023, both times at Hanshin. This year's race at Kyoto, a track where he has proven success, might see him outperform those previous efforts. Despite likely being an outsider, he could be a formidable contender given the conditions.
Bellagio Opera
With 5 wins and a second-place finish from 8 starts, Bellagio Opera has only missed the board twice, a 10th-place finish in the 2023 G1 Satsuki Sho and a fourth in the G1 Japanese Derby. The Satsuki Sho saw him struggle at a pace that disadvantaged front-runners, while his performance in the Japanese Derby, competing against the best of his generation, was still commendable.
In his latest outing, the G1 Osaka Hai, he was pressed early but maintained his rhythm, eventually taking the lead and holding off late challengers to secure his first G1 victory. Currently, in top form, he carries significant momentum. Although this field might be stronger than in his previous race, Bellagio Opera's proven ability suggests he can compete for top honours once again.