Jockey Yuji Tannai confident in Koganeno Sora ahead of G1 Shuka Sho
Friday, 11 October, 2024 15:45
Yuji Tannai
Koganeno Sora, who claimed victory in the Queen Stakes against older horses, is ready to break the stronghold of the top two favourites in the G1 Shuka Sho. Though she finished a disappointing 12th in the Japanese Oaks, she has since regained form, capturing her first graded stakes win over the summer in Hokkaido. Partnering with jockey Yuji Tannai (38) for the second consecutive race, this will also be his chance to secure his first-ever G1 victory, as the pair aim to take home the final jewel of the Triple Tiara.
An upset is not out of the question. Koganeno Sora's triumph in the Queen Stakes marked her fourth career win, the most of any horse in the Shuka Sho field. Following that race, she was sent to Big Red Farm Meiwa in Hokkaido for a well-deserved rest, before being brought back into top condition with this G1 in mind.
Tannai, who has been riding Koganeno Sora in her recent preparations, gave her a strong workout a week before the race and was also aboard for her final trackwork on the 9th. Though they kept things light this week due to the upcoming travel, Tannai was satisfied with her progress, saying, "I got a good feel for her during the last workout, and she moved just as well this week. She hasn't changed too much after the time off, but she's relaxed and feeling good."
Tannai debuted as a jockey in March 2004, and although it took him until 2015 to claim his first graded stakes win in the March Stakes with Meiner Crop, he has been on an upward trajectory ever since. In 2022, he achieved a personal best with 64 JRA wins, and with 59 wins so far this year, he is on track to surpass that. This G1 presents a golden opportunity for him to finally break through. "She can maintain a strong, long run," he says, confident that he can bring out Koganeno Sora's best to achieve his long-awaited G1 victory.
Trainer Takanori Kikuzawa also sees great promise in the filly's Queen Stakes performance, stating, "It was tough to circle wide from the first corner, but she still managed to win. That shows her strength." Aware of the formidable opponents from the spring classics, Tannai remains undaunted, declaring, "There are plenty of strong horses, but I want to ride her the best I can." In a gruelling race like this, Koganeno Sora's stamina will be a powerful asset, and Tannai is determined to trust in her strength to accomplish the dream of a G1 win.
An upset is not out of the question. Koganeno Sora's triumph in the Queen Stakes marked her fourth career win, the most of any horse in the Shuka Sho field. Following that race, she was sent to Big Red Farm Meiwa in Hokkaido for a well-deserved rest, before being brought back into top condition with this G1 in mind.
Tannai, who has been riding Koganeno Sora in her recent preparations, gave her a strong workout a week before the race and was also aboard for her final trackwork on the 9th. Though they kept things light this week due to the upcoming travel, Tannai was satisfied with her progress, saying, "I got a good feel for her during the last workout, and she moved just as well this week. She hasn't changed too much after the time off, but she's relaxed and feeling good."
Tannai debuted as a jockey in March 2004, and although it took him until 2015 to claim his first graded stakes win in the March Stakes with Meiner Crop, he has been on an upward trajectory ever since. In 2022, he achieved a personal best with 64 JRA wins, and with 59 wins so far this year, he is on track to surpass that. This G1 presents a golden opportunity for him to finally break through. "She can maintain a strong, long run," he says, confident that he can bring out Koganeno Sora's best to achieve his long-awaited G1 victory.
Trainer Takanori Kikuzawa also sees great promise in the filly's Queen Stakes performance, stating, "It was tough to circle wide from the first corner, but she still managed to win. That shows her strength." Aware of the formidable opponents from the spring classics, Tannai remains undaunted, declaring, "There are plenty of strong horses, but I want to ride her the best I can." In a gruelling race like this, Koganeno Sora's stamina will be a powerful asset, and Tannai is determined to trust in her strength to accomplish the dream of a G1 win.
Article Creds:Daily Sports