Elton Barows ready to claim back-to-back G2 Mainichi Okan titles
Thursday, 03 October, 2024 21:53
Elton Barows, last year's G2 Mainichi Okan champion, completed his final tune-up on the Ritto Training Center slope course with impressive energy, showing great movement. Both jockey Atsuya Nishimura and trainer Haruki Sugiyama were very pleased with his condition, signalling a strong outlook as they aim for back-to-back victories. Meanwhile, Ho O Biscuits, who is coming off wins in the Tomoe Sho and Hakodate Kinen this summer in Hokkaido, showcased his momentum with an excellent workout on the Miho Training Center woodchip track.
Looking ahead to the defence of his title, Elton Barows worked over 4 furlongs, clocking sharp splits of 52.9-38.0-11.9 seconds, climbing the slope with vigour. Nishimura was enthusiastic about the feel of the horse, stating, "It feels like he's back to his best. He's matured mentally, and he's stronger now." Trainer Sugiyama echoed this sentiment, commenting, "We kept it light as usual on the slope course. The jockey was very positive, so I trust he's in great form."
Last year, Elton Barows took down strong competitors like Songline and Schnell Meister, hinting at a rise to the top. However, since then, he has gone winless in five starts, failing to deliver on that promise. Still, in his most recent outing in the Chukyo Kinen, he carried 59kg and finished a close third, signalling a return to form.
Trainer Sugiyama reflected, "I believe we saw the true Elton Barows in his last race. He's been through a lot of experiences, including a trip to Hong Kong, and we prepared at Tokyo Racecourse ahead of the Yasuda Kinen. I think these experiences have made him mentally stronger."
Now, he faces the perfect stage to launch his comeback. "There's no doubt that the 1800 meters at Tokyo suits him perfectly, as last year's race showed. His condition has been improving, and we're entering with the same level of expectations. We're aiming for the title," Sugiyama declared confidently. After their recent triumph in the G1 Sprinters Stakes, the Nishimura-Sugiyama duo is full of momentum and ready to chase a repeat victory.
Looking ahead to the defence of his title, Elton Barows worked over 4 furlongs, clocking sharp splits of 52.9-38.0-11.9 seconds, climbing the slope with vigour. Nishimura was enthusiastic about the feel of the horse, stating, "It feels like he's back to his best. He's matured mentally, and he's stronger now." Trainer Sugiyama echoed this sentiment, commenting, "We kept it light as usual on the slope course. The jockey was very positive, so I trust he's in great form."
Last year, Elton Barows took down strong competitors like Songline and Schnell Meister, hinting at a rise to the top. However, since then, he has gone winless in five starts, failing to deliver on that promise. Still, in his most recent outing in the Chukyo Kinen, he carried 59kg and finished a close third, signalling a return to form.
Trainer Sugiyama reflected, "I believe we saw the true Elton Barows in his last race. He's been through a lot of experiences, including a trip to Hong Kong, and we prepared at Tokyo Racecourse ahead of the Yasuda Kinen. I think these experiences have made him mentally stronger."
Now, he faces the perfect stage to launch his comeback. "There's no doubt that the 1800 meters at Tokyo suits him perfectly, as last year's race showed. His condition has been improving, and we're entering with the same level of expectations. We're aiming for the title," Sugiyama declared confidently. After their recent triumph in the G1 Sprinters Stakes, the Nishimura-Sugiyama duo is full of momentum and ready to chase a repeat victory.
Article Creds:Daily Sports