Equinox sets Dubai World Cup night alight
Monday, 27 March, 2023 20:00
Dubai Sheema Classic winner Equinox (Photo: Masakazu Takahashi)
A 27-strong team of Japanese horses made the long-haul flight to the Middle East to compete on Dubai World Cup Night. 27 quickly became 26 when it was reported that Do Deuce was lame and was scratched from the G1 Dubai Turf, a race he was favourite to win.
Japanese fans did not have to wait long before getting off the mark for the evening. Derma Sotogake was a decisive winner of the G2 UAE Derby. Equinox and Ushba Tesoro stole the show with sublime performances in the Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai World Cup respectively.
Even money favourite, Equinox with Christophe Lemaire in the irons stunned onlookers with a performance in the Sheema Classic that may see Equinox crowned as the highest rated turf horse of the year.
Lemaire sent Equinox straight to the lead, a tactic not employed in any of his six previous career starts. The French-born rider began to stretch the field entering the home straight, quickly extending his already clear lead. Still travelling powerfully, a motionless Lemaire gave a long, lingering and almost inviting look over his shoulder. Eased down in the last fifty metres, Equinox crossed the line a scintillating 3.5L winner, smashing the previous race record by a second.
Lemaire commented with conviction "I knew I was on the best horse in the race, I had no concern about making the running."
Equinox is from the first crop of seven-time G1 winner and titan of Japanese racing history, Kitasan Black. An emotional Lemaire was quick to point out that Equinox's performance was reminiscent of when he partnered Heart's Cry to victory in the same race in 2006. Heart's Cry died at the beginning of March at the age of 22 after a hugely successful stud career.
Major bookmakers have installed Equinox as the 7/1 favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Although connections have alluded to a trip to the Breeders' Cup may be the destination of choice for their star colt.
Domestic G1 options include the Takarazuka Kinen, Tenno Sho, Japan Cup and The Arima Kinen. Whatever the decision on the future schedule of Equinox, the international spotlight is guaranteed to follow.
Japanese fans did not have to wait long before getting off the mark for the evening. Derma Sotogake was a decisive winner of the G2 UAE Derby. Equinox and Ushba Tesoro stole the show with sublime performances in the Dubai Sheema Classic and Dubai World Cup respectively.
Even money favourite, Equinox with Christophe Lemaire in the irons stunned onlookers with a performance in the Sheema Classic that may see Equinox crowned as the highest rated turf horse of the year.
Lemaire sent Equinox straight to the lead, a tactic not employed in any of his six previous career starts. The French-born rider began to stretch the field entering the home straight, quickly extending his already clear lead. Still travelling powerfully, a motionless Lemaire gave a long, lingering and almost inviting look over his shoulder. Eased down in the last fifty metres, Equinox crossed the line a scintillating 3.5L winner, smashing the previous race record by a second.
Lemaire commented with conviction "I knew I was on the best horse in the race, I had no concern about making the running."
Equinox is from the first crop of seven-time G1 winner and titan of Japanese racing history, Kitasan Black. An emotional Lemaire was quick to point out that Equinox's performance was reminiscent of when he partnered Heart's Cry to victory in the same race in 2006. Heart's Cry died at the beginning of March at the age of 22 after a hugely successful stud career.
Major bookmakers have installed Equinox as the 7/1 favourite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Although connections have alluded to a trip to the Breeders' Cup may be the destination of choice for their star colt.
Domestic G1 options include the Takarazuka Kinen, Tenno Sho, Japan Cup and The Arima Kinen. Whatever the decision on the future schedule of Equinox, the international spotlight is guaranteed to follow.
Article Creds:Daily Sports