Mozu Meimei aims to become summer sprint champion in G2 Centaur Stakes
Wednesday, 04 September, 2024 20:02
Mozu Meimei (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
Mozu Meimei is soaring toward becoming the summer sprint champion.
After a rocket start that saw her claim victory in the G3 Aoi Stakes, her form took a surprising downturn with six consecutive double-digit finishes. As she wandered through a tunnel of poor form, a glimmer of hope appeared when she reunited with jockey Kyosuke Kokubun in the G3 Kitakyushu Kinen. Changing tactics to sit back early, she powered through the pack in the stretch to finish a strong third, showcasing a new running style that was a departure from her usual front-running approach. In her most recent race, the G3 Ibis Summer Dash, she again surged through the field to claim a decisive victory, marking a complete comeback with a successful shift in running style. Groom Kobayashi expressed satisfaction, noting, "She handled the straight course well and showed a strong finish."
A week before the race, Mozu Meimei took in some track work on the slope course at Ritto Training Center, working alongside Aigle Noir. Following the same training pattern as in her last two races, she led by half-a-length under minimal urging. "She's been progressing smoothly. While the clock wasn't fast, it was more than sufficient, and she's shown more composure compared to before," groom Kobayashi commented with enthusiasm.
As the meet at Chukyo has progressed, the course has started to favour closers. "She's executed this type of come-from-behind race in her last two starts, so I think it suits her well," Kobayashi added confidently. The rejuvenated 4-year-old filly is poised to cap off the summer with a strong performance.
After a rocket start that saw her claim victory in the G3 Aoi Stakes, her form took a surprising downturn with six consecutive double-digit finishes. As she wandered through a tunnel of poor form, a glimmer of hope appeared when she reunited with jockey Kyosuke Kokubun in the G3 Kitakyushu Kinen. Changing tactics to sit back early, she powered through the pack in the stretch to finish a strong third, showcasing a new running style that was a departure from her usual front-running approach. In her most recent race, the G3 Ibis Summer Dash, she again surged through the field to claim a decisive victory, marking a complete comeback with a successful shift in running style. Groom Kobayashi expressed satisfaction, noting, "She handled the straight course well and showed a strong finish."
A week before the race, Mozu Meimei took in some track work on the slope course at Ritto Training Center, working alongside Aigle Noir. Following the same training pattern as in her last two races, she led by half-a-length under minimal urging. "She's been progressing smoothly. While the clock wasn't fast, it was more than sufficient, and she's shown more composure compared to before," groom Kobayashi commented with enthusiasm.
As the meet at Chukyo has progressed, the course has started to favour closers. "She's executed this type of come-from-behind race in her last two starts, so I think it suits her well," Kobayashi added confidently. The rejuvenated 4-year-old filly is poised to cap off the summer with a strong performance.