Win Marvel looks to continue his domination as he steps up to G1 Mile Championship
Wednesday, 13 November, 2024 13:51
Five-year-old Win Marvel will tackle the G1 Mile Championship, marking his first attempt at a mile distance in his 25th career start. Though often viewed as a sprinter, thanks to accomplishments like his runner-up finish in the Sprinters Stakes two years ago, Win Marvel has proven himself at 1400 meters with three graded stakes wins, showing he is far from a pure 1200-meter specialist. Now, he aims to achieve his first G1 title by delivering a different performance style.
Win Marvel made a name for himself as a sprinter, winning the Aoi Stakes as a three-year-old and later securing second in the Sprinters Stakes. However, now at five, he is expanding his range to the mile distance. Trainer Masashi Fukayama explains the reasoning, "While his last race, where he finished fifth in the Sprinters Stakes, wasn't bad, competing at 1200 meters in a G1 requires everything to align perfectly. In a mile race, the pace is steadier, and he can secure a good position, making it easier to compete. His jockey, Kohei Matsuyama, also suggested we give it a try."
Initially more sprint-oriented, Win Marvel began to adapt well to longer distances, winning back-to-back graded stakes at 1400 meters in the Hanshin Cup at the end of his four-year-old season and the Hankyu Hai on his five-year-old debut. He also took the Keio Hai Spring Cup, demonstrating his improvement with the added distance.
On Tuesday, just before his final track work, Win Marvel loosened up extensively on the Miho Training Center track, then tackled the slope course, showcasing lively, energetic strides. Groom Homma, who regularly handles his track works, confirms Win Marvel's strong condition, saying, "His physical condition is as good as it was in the spring." To help improve his start, which was a concern in his four-year-old season, they have been working on strengthening his hindquarters. This training has stabilized his start and contributed to his recent performance.
Reflecting on Win Marvel's debut mile attempt, Homma added, "He's responsive to instructions and settles well, so I don't see any issue with the longer distance." He has already shown he has the speed for G1 races, and if he can handle the mile, a standout performance would not be surprising.
Win Marvel made a name for himself as a sprinter, winning the Aoi Stakes as a three-year-old and later securing second in the Sprinters Stakes. However, now at five, he is expanding his range to the mile distance. Trainer Masashi Fukayama explains the reasoning, "While his last race, where he finished fifth in the Sprinters Stakes, wasn't bad, competing at 1200 meters in a G1 requires everything to align perfectly. In a mile race, the pace is steadier, and he can secure a good position, making it easier to compete. His jockey, Kohei Matsuyama, also suggested we give it a try."
Initially more sprint-oriented, Win Marvel began to adapt well to longer distances, winning back-to-back graded stakes at 1400 meters in the Hanshin Cup at the end of his four-year-old season and the Hankyu Hai on his five-year-old debut. He also took the Keio Hai Spring Cup, demonstrating his improvement with the added distance.
On Tuesday, just before his final track work, Win Marvel loosened up extensively on the Miho Training Center track, then tackled the slope course, showcasing lively, energetic strides. Groom Homma, who regularly handles his track works, confirms Win Marvel's strong condition, saying, "His physical condition is as good as it was in the spring." To help improve his start, which was a concern in his four-year-old season, they have been working on strengthening his hindquarters. This training has stabilized his start and contributed to his recent performance.
Reflecting on Win Marvel's debut mile attempt, Homma added, "He's responsive to instructions and settles well, so I don't see any issue with the longer distance." He has already shown he has the speed for G1 races, and if he can handle the mile, a standout performance would not be surprising.
Article Creds:Daily Sports