Selberg ready for another G3 Chukyo Kinen title at Kokura Racecourse
Wednesday, 17 July, 2024 19:10
Selberg (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
The G3 Chukyo Kinen, the second leg of the Summer Mile Series, returns to Kokura after a two-year hiatus. Historically, the favoured horse has only won twice in the past ten years, indicating a potential for upsets in this graded stakes race. Last year's surprising winner, Selberg, took the race by storm with a commanding front-running victory despite being the eighth favourite. Although conditions differ from last year, Selberg is poised to defend his title.
Selberg, the defending champion, showcased his prowess by winning last year's Chukyo Kinen, in a field that included multiple graded stakes winners. This victory marked his first graded stakes attempt in over a year since his three-year-old season. While he has not won since, his talent suggests a strong chance for a comeback.
In his last race, the G3 Epsom Cup, Selberg held on gamely but finished seventh. Trainer Takashi Suzuki analyzed the defeat, stating, "At Tokyo Racecourse, with its long straight, he was overtaken early by the trailing horses." However, the 1800m distance at Kokura presents a different scenario. Although he won last year over a mile, I believe a flat 1800m is ideal for him. In the G1 Mile Championship, the mile distance proved challenging against horses accustomed to 1200m or 1400m races. To fully utilize his speed, 1800m is perfect," Suzuki explained.
In the G3 Kokura Daishoten three races ago, which took place over the same distance, Selberg led the field and finished a close third, just 0.2 seconds behind despite the race favouring closers. "We ran him in the Kokura Daishoten with this year's Chukyo Kinen in mind. He showed great resilience in a fast-paced race," Suzuki noted, confirming Selberg's suitability for this distance.
Selberg's preparation has been smooth. In his final workout a week before the race, jockey Ryuji Wada rode him over 6 furlongs on the Ritto Training Center woodchip track, clocking 81.4 seconds with splits of 36.0 and 11.3 seconds. "He has maintained good condition. Ryuji Wada, who rode him after a long time, mentioned he finished strongly," Suzuki commented. "All that remains is for him to run his race." With precise planning, Selberg is set to deliver another thrilling front-running performance.
Selberg, the defending champion, showcased his prowess by winning last year's Chukyo Kinen, in a field that included multiple graded stakes winners. This victory marked his first graded stakes attempt in over a year since his three-year-old season. While he has not won since, his talent suggests a strong chance for a comeback.
In his last race, the G3 Epsom Cup, Selberg held on gamely but finished seventh. Trainer Takashi Suzuki analyzed the defeat, stating, "At Tokyo Racecourse, with its long straight, he was overtaken early by the trailing horses." However, the 1800m distance at Kokura presents a different scenario. Although he won last year over a mile, I believe a flat 1800m is ideal for him. In the G1 Mile Championship, the mile distance proved challenging against horses accustomed to 1200m or 1400m races. To fully utilize his speed, 1800m is perfect," Suzuki explained.
In the G3 Kokura Daishoten three races ago, which took place over the same distance, Selberg led the field and finished a close third, just 0.2 seconds behind despite the race favouring closers. "We ran him in the Kokura Daishoten with this year's Chukyo Kinen in mind. He showed great resilience in a fast-paced race," Suzuki noted, confirming Selberg's suitability for this distance.
Selberg's preparation has been smooth. In his final workout a week before the race, jockey Ryuji Wada rode him over 6 furlongs on the Ritto Training Center woodchip track, clocking 81.4 seconds with splits of 36.0 and 11.3 seconds. "He has maintained good condition. Ryuji Wada, who rode him after a long time, mentioned he finished strongly," Suzuki commented. "All that remains is for him to run his race." With precise planning, Selberg is set to deliver another thrilling front-running performance.
Article Creds:Daily Sports