G1 Kikuka Sho winner Durezza ready to bounce back in the Japan Cup
Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 16:35
The former Kikuka Sho winner Durezza is showing signs of a resurgence as he gears up for his primary autumn target, the G1 Japan Cup. Despite a challenging year that saw him finish 15th in the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) due to heat exhaustion and a fifth-place finish in his first overseas start in the G1 International Stakes, the colt is looking to recapture his brilliance at Tokyo Racecourse, where he is unbeaten in two starts.
On Tuesday morning, Durezza clocked 63.4 seconds over four furlongs on the Miho Training Center slope course before transitioning to a light canter on the dirt. Trainer Tomohito Ozeki observed his dark bay colt with satisfaction, noting, "He seems to be improving steadily. Over the last few weeks, his movement has become better with each session." While Durezza has been winless since his Kikuka Sho triumph last year, Ozeki is confident the path to recovery is clear.
The current preparation evokes memories of his meteoric rise to victory in the Kikuka Sho, which capped a five-race winning streak. "Last year, he kept improving with each piece of work, and it feels similar this time. We brought him back early from the farm, and he's been progressing with every session. If he can make another step forward this week, I believe he can reach the same condition as he did for the Kikuka Sho," Ozeki said, with determination in his voice.
Durezza's fifth-place finish in the G1 International Stakes came against top-class opposition, including this year's world champion turf horse, City Of Troy, who beat him by 1.7 seconds. However, Durezza carried 61 kilograms, 3.5 kilograms more than the winner, and trainer Ozeki was not discouraged. "The weight was a factor, and we couldn't get an ideal position early due to the winner setting the pace. Things didn't go smoothly, but with better circumstances, I believe he could have done more," Ozeki reflected.
Surprisingly, the Japan Cup's 2400-meter distance will be Durezza's first attempt at this trip. "He's a horse who can sustain a strong, long-lasting turn of foot. Watching his performances in the 2-win class and the Kikuka Sho, I've always wanted to test him over this distance," the trainer shared. Now, the autumn showcase at Tokyo Racecourse presents the perfect opportunity for the Kikuka Sho winner to mount a comeback on the grand stage.
On Tuesday morning, Durezza clocked 63.4 seconds over four furlongs on the Miho Training Center slope course before transitioning to a light canter on the dirt. Trainer Tomohito Ozeki observed his dark bay colt with satisfaction, noting, "He seems to be improving steadily. Over the last few weeks, his movement has become better with each session." While Durezza has been winless since his Kikuka Sho triumph last year, Ozeki is confident the path to recovery is clear.
The current preparation evokes memories of his meteoric rise to victory in the Kikuka Sho, which capped a five-race winning streak. "Last year, he kept improving with each piece of work, and it feels similar this time. We brought him back early from the farm, and he's been progressing with every session. If he can make another step forward this week, I believe he can reach the same condition as he did for the Kikuka Sho," Ozeki said, with determination in his voice.
Durezza's fifth-place finish in the G1 International Stakes came against top-class opposition, including this year's world champion turf horse, City Of Troy, who beat him by 1.7 seconds. However, Durezza carried 61 kilograms, 3.5 kilograms more than the winner, and trainer Ozeki was not discouraged. "The weight was a factor, and we couldn't get an ideal position early due to the winner setting the pace. Things didn't go smoothly, but with better circumstances, I believe he could have done more," Ozeki reflected.
Surprisingly, the Japan Cup's 2400-meter distance will be Durezza's first attempt at this trip. "He's a horse who can sustain a strong, long-lasting turn of foot. Watching his performances in the 2-win class and the Kikuka Sho, I've always wanted to test him over this distance," the trainer shared. Now, the autumn showcase at Tokyo Racecourse presents the perfect opportunity for the Kikuka Sho winner to mount a comeback on the grand stage.
Article Creds:Daily Sports