Trainer Ryo Takei impressed by Urban Chic ahead of G2 St Lite Kinen
Friday, 13 September, 2024 16:15
Urban Chic (Photo: Akihisa Sasaki)
Poised for an autumn comeback, Urban Chic completed his final workout at Miho Training Center on the 12th, marking his first appearance since finishing 11th in the G1 Japanese Derby. The 3-year-old colt outpaced his work partners in a three-horse gallop, showing impressive form. Despite his immaturity in the spring, Urban Chic showcased his raw potential with a second-place finish in the G3 Keisei Hai and fourth in the G1 Satsuki Sho. Now, he aims to secure his first graded stakes victory in his autumn debut, highlighting his growth over the summer.
Urban Chic, known for his strong-willed nature in the spring, required a consistent rider. However, after maturing significantly over the summer, jockey Shinichi Ishigami took the reins for this key workout, although Christophe Lemaire will ride in the race.
Accompanied by The Rock and Cheat Major, Urban Chic entered the Miho Training Center woodchip track. Although he showed some hesitation when entering the course, trainer Ryo Takei was unfazed, stating, "That's within the acceptable range." Despite being unexpectedly placed in a trailing position, Urban Chic quickly made up ground, displaying the signature dynamic stride inherited from his sire. He accelerated sharply in the final stretch, finishing strongly and effortlessly ahead of his companions.
Clocking 6F in 83.4 seconds, with final splits of 37.6 seconds and 11.2 seconds, Ishigami, who has worked him for two weeks straight, shared positive feedback, "His response in the stretch was great, possibly benefiting from last week's solid work. He kept running without backing off after breaking away." Trainer Takei was equally satisfied, noting, "Today's fast time was aided by freshly cleaned tracks, but we didn't push him too hard. Honestly, a horse like this can produce these times with ease."
Urban Chic was regarded as a strong contender in the Japanese Derby due to his immense potential. Ishigami, a renowned jockey in jump racing, was full of praise, "He has an impressive stride and is an excellent horse with a great presence. He'd probably be fun to ride in jump races too, haha!" Clearly, Urban Chic has hidden stamina in spades. While control during races remains a challenge, his summer growth should allow him to make a statement in his return and reaffirm his capabilities.
Urban Chic, known for his strong-willed nature in the spring, required a consistent rider. However, after maturing significantly over the summer, jockey Shinichi Ishigami took the reins for this key workout, although Christophe Lemaire will ride in the race.
Accompanied by The Rock and Cheat Major, Urban Chic entered the Miho Training Center woodchip track. Although he showed some hesitation when entering the course, trainer Ryo Takei was unfazed, stating, "That's within the acceptable range." Despite being unexpectedly placed in a trailing position, Urban Chic quickly made up ground, displaying the signature dynamic stride inherited from his sire. He accelerated sharply in the final stretch, finishing strongly and effortlessly ahead of his companions.
Clocking 6F in 83.4 seconds, with final splits of 37.6 seconds and 11.2 seconds, Ishigami, who has worked him for two weeks straight, shared positive feedback, "His response in the stretch was great, possibly benefiting from last week's solid work. He kept running without backing off after breaking away." Trainer Takei was equally satisfied, noting, "Today's fast time was aided by freshly cleaned tracks, but we didn't push him too hard. Honestly, a horse like this can produce these times with ease."
Urban Chic was regarded as a strong contender in the Japanese Derby due to his immense potential. Ishigami, a renowned jockey in jump racing, was full of praise, "He has an impressive stride and is an excellent horse with a great presence. He'd probably be fun to ride in jump races too, haha!" Clearly, Urban Chic has hidden stamina in spades. While control during races remains a challenge, his summer growth should allow him to make a statement in his return and reaffirm his capabilities.
Article Creds:Daily Sports