G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai preview by our original AI
Wednesday, 18 September, 2024 20:34
June Take (C)Netkeiba
This weekend's racing will feature two graded stakes on Sunday. This article will guide you through three notable contenders in the G2 Kobe Shimbun Hai chosen by our original AI.
In his previous race, the G1 Japanese Derby, June Take was drawn inside and settled mid-pack along the rail to minimize distance loss. Although he showed signs of being a bit keen heading into the first corner, he settled down somewhat on the backstretch. However, even minor setbacks can be costly in a high-calibre race like the Japanese Derby. The early issues took their toll, and June Take failed to make an impact in the stretch, finishing 10th.
This time, he is up against a G2 field. Two starts ago, in the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai, he claimed his first graded stakes title by making a bold move up the inside in the final stretch, proving that he has the ability to compete at a high level in this race. With the shorter distance here compared to his previous race, there should be less concern about him settling. If he can perform to his potential, a significant turnaround from his last effort is entirely possible.
Byzantine Dream is a talented horse who started his career with back-to-back wins in a Newcomers and the G3 Kisaragi Sho, displaying a powerful finishing kick and showcasing his high potential. However, in his last two starts, he has struggled, finishing 13th in the G1 Satsuki Sho and 17th in the Japanese Derby. In the Satsuki Sho, he broke poorly and was also hindered by interference at the final turn, while in the Japanese Derby, the slow pace worked against him. These factors contributed to his poor performance in those races.
In all four of his career starts, he has relied on his late-closing style, so the race's pace will be crucial once again. If the conditions allow him to fully utilize his turn of foot, a return to his Kisaragi Sho form is certainly possible. A dramatic rebound wouldn't be surprising if the race sets up favourably for him.
Shonan la Punta finished a disappointing 15th in his last race, the Japanese Derby, but considering the high level of competition, this result was understandable. Two races ago, he put in a strong performance to finish 2nd in the G2 Aoba Sho, and last year, he was 4th in the G2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, showing his ability to compete at a high level. In the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, the race favoured front-runners, but Shonan la Punta made an impressive late charge from the back, a performance that, while not resulting in a top-three finish, was still commendable.
This time, he is facing G2-level competition again, and if he can replicate the effort from his Aoba Sho run, he should be a serious contender. He is proven to be reliable in races at G2 level and below, so it is unlikely that he will offer a poor showing here. His ability is certainly competitive, making him a horse not to be underestimated in this field.
In his previous race, the G1 Japanese Derby, June Take was drawn inside and settled mid-pack along the rail to minimize distance loss. Although he showed signs of being a bit keen heading into the first corner, he settled down somewhat on the backstretch. However, even minor setbacks can be costly in a high-calibre race like the Japanese Derby. The early issues took their toll, and June Take failed to make an impact in the stretch, finishing 10th.
This time, he is up against a G2 field. Two starts ago, in the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai, he claimed his first graded stakes title by making a bold move up the inside in the final stretch, proving that he has the ability to compete at a high level in this race. With the shorter distance here compared to his previous race, there should be less concern about him settling. If he can perform to his potential, a significant turnaround from his last effort is entirely possible.
Byzantine Dream is a talented horse who started his career with back-to-back wins in a Newcomers and the G3 Kisaragi Sho, displaying a powerful finishing kick and showcasing his high potential. However, in his last two starts, he has struggled, finishing 13th in the G1 Satsuki Sho and 17th in the Japanese Derby. In the Satsuki Sho, he broke poorly and was also hindered by interference at the final turn, while in the Japanese Derby, the slow pace worked against him. These factors contributed to his poor performance in those races.
In all four of his career starts, he has relied on his late-closing style, so the race's pace will be crucial once again. If the conditions allow him to fully utilize his turn of foot, a return to his Kisaragi Sho form is certainly possible. A dramatic rebound wouldn't be surprising if the race sets up favourably for him.
Shonan la Punta finished a disappointing 15th in his last race, the Japanese Derby, but considering the high level of competition, this result was understandable. Two races ago, he put in a strong performance to finish 2nd in the G2 Aoba Sho, and last year, he was 4th in the G2 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, showing his ability to compete at a high level. In the Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes, the race favoured front-runners, but Shonan la Punta made an impressive late charge from the back, a performance that, while not resulting in a top-three finish, was still commendable.
This time, he is facing G2-level competition again, and if he can replicate the effort from his Aoba Sho run, he should be a serious contender. He is proven to be reliable in races at G2 level and below, so it is unlikely that he will offer a poor showing here. His ability is certainly competitive, making him a horse not to be underestimated in this field.