Team Keiji Yoshimura take aim at G1 Sprinters Stakes with Obamburumai and A Shin Spotter
Friday, 27 September, 2024 22:40
Trainer Keiji Yoshimura (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
Trainer Keiji Yoshimura is set to challenge the autumn sprint championship, aiming for his first G1 title since Queens Ring's victory in the 2016 Queen Elizabeth II Cup. He sends out two strong contenders, Obamburumai and A Shin Spotter, both of whom performed well in their last outing in the Keeneland Cup, Obamburumai finishing 3rd and A Shin Spotter 2nd. The Yoshimura duo are poised to seize the spotlight.
Trainer Yoshimura's quest for a G1 win after an eight-year drought begins with Obamburumai, who rose to global fame last November by winning the prestigious Golden Eagle in Australia, with a purse of around 500 million JPY. Obamburumai made his debut in the 1200-meter sprint division in the Keeneland Cup, his 9th career start, marking a shift from longer distances. Yoshimura explained, "He seemed to lack a bit of staying power in mile races. But looking at his pedigree, with his dam's side (his grand-dam Le Sucre won three races over 1200 meters), it made sense to try this distance."
In the Keeneland Cup, despite a slow start, Obamburumai unleashed a powerful finishing kick, recording a remarkable final 600 meters in 33.2 seconds to secure 3rd place. "When Yutaka Take returned from the race, he simply said, 'He can really run.' It was only his third time riding this horse, but the feedback was very positive," Yoshimura smiled, confident of further improvement. "If the pace is easier to follow in his second start at this distance, he'll be even more dangerous."
Meanwhile, A Shin Spotter secured 2nd in the same race. "He's really come into his own at five years old. While he may struggle in fast-paced races on firm ground if the rain softens the track and the others find it tough, he has a real chance," said Yoshimura. Though a different type from Obamburumai, A Shin Spotter is still a formidable force when conditions suit him.
Currently, Nakayama's turf is extremely fast, but with rain forecasted for the weekend, Yoshimura's hopes are weather-dependent. "If the track softens slightly for average times, Obamburumai will have the edge. If it turns into a heavy downpour, then A Shin Spotter will come into play. Either way, it's exciting." With Obamburumai's strong finishing ability and A Shin Spotter's powerful turn of foot, both horses are ready to make a significant impact in the G1 arena.
Trainer Yoshimura's quest for a G1 win after an eight-year drought begins with Obamburumai, who rose to global fame last November by winning the prestigious Golden Eagle in Australia, with a purse of around 500 million JPY. Obamburumai made his debut in the 1200-meter sprint division in the Keeneland Cup, his 9th career start, marking a shift from longer distances. Yoshimura explained, "He seemed to lack a bit of staying power in mile races. But looking at his pedigree, with his dam's side (his grand-dam Le Sucre won three races over 1200 meters), it made sense to try this distance."
In the Keeneland Cup, despite a slow start, Obamburumai unleashed a powerful finishing kick, recording a remarkable final 600 meters in 33.2 seconds to secure 3rd place. "When Yutaka Take returned from the race, he simply said, 'He can really run.' It was only his third time riding this horse, but the feedback was very positive," Yoshimura smiled, confident of further improvement. "If the pace is easier to follow in his second start at this distance, he'll be even more dangerous."
Meanwhile, A Shin Spotter secured 2nd in the same race. "He's really come into his own at five years old. While he may struggle in fast-paced races on firm ground if the rain softens the track and the others find it tough, he has a real chance," said Yoshimura. Though a different type from Obamburumai, A Shin Spotter is still a formidable force when conditions suit him.
Currently, Nakayama's turf is extremely fast, but with rain forecasted for the weekend, Yoshimura's hopes are weather-dependent. "If the track softens slightly for average times, Obamburumai will have the edge. If it turns into a heavy downpour, then A Shin Spotter will come into play. Either way, it's exciting." With Obamburumai's strong finishing ability and A Shin Spotter's powerful turn of foot, both horses are ready to make a significant impact in the G1 arena.
Article Creds:Daily Sports