Yutaka Take aims to tick off final Classic trial with Stinger Glass
Wednesday, 11 September, 2024 13:45
Stinger Glass (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
Legendary jockey Yutaka Take is aiming for his first victory in the G2 St Lite Kinen aboard the 3-year-old colt Stinger Glass.
Yutaka Take has ridden in the St Lite Kinen three times before but without success. His past rides include Fusaichi Brian, who finished 11th as the 4th favourite in 1995, King's Emblem, who finished 7th as the 3rd favourite in 2008, and Aroma Cafe, who finished 3rd as the 2nd favourite in 2010. It is surprising that such a legendary jockey, who has won numerous Classics, is still winless in this race. Even more surprising is how few times he has competed in this event.
This year, Take partners with Stinger Glass, a well-bred colt who is a half-brother to G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies winner Danon Fantasy. With 2 wins from 4 starts, Stinger Glass has shown steady improvement. He finished 6th in the G2 Spring Stakes earlier this year, but in his most recent race (a 1 Win Class over 2400m at Niigata), he stormed to a 5-length victory. This race will be his second challenge in a graded stakes company, offering a true test of his growing abilities.
For Take, this race holds the potential for an extraordinary achievement. Among Japan's 12 Classic Trial races, including 3 each for the G1 Oka Sho and G1 Satsuki Sho, and 2 each for the G1 Japanese Oaks, G1 Japanese Derby, and G1 Kikuka Sho. He has won all but one, the St Lite Kinen. A victory here would make him the first jockey ever to complete the set of Classic trial victories. All eyes will be on the legendary jockey to see if he can add this prestigious title to his already illustrious career.
Yutaka Take has ridden in the St Lite Kinen three times before but without success. His past rides include Fusaichi Brian, who finished 11th as the 4th favourite in 1995, King's Emblem, who finished 7th as the 3rd favourite in 2008, and Aroma Cafe, who finished 3rd as the 2nd favourite in 2010. It is surprising that such a legendary jockey, who has won numerous Classics, is still winless in this race. Even more surprising is how few times he has competed in this event.
This year, Take partners with Stinger Glass, a well-bred colt who is a half-brother to G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies winner Danon Fantasy. With 2 wins from 4 starts, Stinger Glass has shown steady improvement. He finished 6th in the G2 Spring Stakes earlier this year, but in his most recent race (a 1 Win Class over 2400m at Niigata), he stormed to a 5-length victory. This race will be his second challenge in a graded stakes company, offering a true test of his growing abilities.
For Take, this race holds the potential for an extraordinary achievement. Among Japan's 12 Classic Trial races, including 3 each for the G1 Oka Sho and G1 Satsuki Sho, and 2 each for the G1 Japanese Oaks, G1 Japanese Derby, and G1 Kikuka Sho. He has won all but one, the St Lite Kinen. A victory here would make him the first jockey ever to complete the set of Classic trial victories. All eyes will be on the legendary jockey to see if he can add this prestigious title to his already illustrious career.