Yutaka Take ready for Auguste Rodin match up with Do Deuce in Japan Cup
Thursday, 21 November, 2024 17:53
Do Deuce (left) during trackwork (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
Facing off against the world's strongest contenders, Japan's leading hope Do Deuce showcased impressive form in a final trackwork session at the Ritto Training Center polytrack. Partnered with Bettles, Do Deuce closed a two-length gap around the third corner with smooth, fluid strides. Without being pushed, he clocked 6 furlongs in 87.1 seconds, finishing strongly with splits of 39.3 and 11.7 seconds, signaling further improvement.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi observed the work with a satisfied smile. "The goal was to confirm his rhythm without applying too much pressure. He stayed calm and relaxed throughout. He's a horse that gets better with every run. I thought his condition for the Tenno Sho (Autumn) couldn't be surpassed, but he's managed to elevate even further. He'll be running in even better form than last time."
In the Tenno Sho, Do Deuce produced a stunning late burst to secure victory, showcasing maturity in his autumn campaign at age five. "The slow pace worried me, but he unleashed an incredible turn of foot," Tomomichi reflected. "Last year, after Dubai, we couldn't train him as thoroughly, but this year he returned to the training center in top condition and was able to handle a solid workload. He's a completely different horse compared to last year."
Do Deuce's upward trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Just three days after his Tenno Sho triumph, he returned to light work, brimming with energy. His standout effort in a one-week-out gallop on the Ritto Training Center woodchip track, under Yutaka Take, only reinforced his readiness. "He's in peak form now," said Take, who believes Do Deuce is heading into the Japan Cup even stronger than for his last victory.
The Japan Cup offers a tantalizing matchup, Yutaka Take, legendary jockey and once the primary rider of Deep Impact, now aboard Heart's Cry progeny Do Deuce, faces Deep Impact's Irish-bred son Auguste Rodin. Heart's Cry famously delivered Deep Impact his only domestic defeat in the 2005 Arima Kinen. "This is why horse racing is so fascinating," Take said with a smile.
Do Deuce's career will conclude with the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen. The goal is clear, back-to-back G1 victories and a shot at completing the autumn G1 sweep. "He didn't achieve the desired results in his two overseas starts, but on home turf, he must not lose to foreign horses," Tomomichi emphasized. Take echoed his determination, "A year ago, I wasn't even in a position to ride due to injury. That makes these last races even more significant. I want to ride him with confidence, leave no regrets, and give everything to win."
The Tenno Sho victory was just the beginning of Do Deuce's resurgence. Now, he stands poised to take on domestic and international heavyweights, aiming to clear the way for a historic autumn G1 treble.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi observed the work with a satisfied smile. "The goal was to confirm his rhythm without applying too much pressure. He stayed calm and relaxed throughout. He's a horse that gets better with every run. I thought his condition for the Tenno Sho (Autumn) couldn't be surpassed, but he's managed to elevate even further. He'll be running in even better form than last time."
In the Tenno Sho, Do Deuce produced a stunning late burst to secure victory, showcasing maturity in his autumn campaign at age five. "The slow pace worried me, but he unleashed an incredible turn of foot," Tomomichi reflected. "Last year, after Dubai, we couldn't train him as thoroughly, but this year he returned to the training center in top condition and was able to handle a solid workload. He's a completely different horse compared to last year."
Do Deuce's upward trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Just three days after his Tenno Sho triumph, he returned to light work, brimming with energy. His standout effort in a one-week-out gallop on the Ritto Training Center woodchip track, under Yutaka Take, only reinforced his readiness. "He's in peak form now," said Take, who believes Do Deuce is heading into the Japan Cup even stronger than for his last victory.
The Japan Cup offers a tantalizing matchup, Yutaka Take, legendary jockey and once the primary rider of Deep Impact, now aboard Heart's Cry progeny Do Deuce, faces Deep Impact's Irish-bred son Auguste Rodin. Heart's Cry famously delivered Deep Impact his only domestic defeat in the 2005 Arima Kinen. "This is why horse racing is so fascinating," Take said with a smile.
Do Deuce's career will conclude with the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen. The goal is clear, back-to-back G1 victories and a shot at completing the autumn G1 sweep. "He didn't achieve the desired results in his two overseas starts, but on home turf, he must not lose to foreign horses," Tomomichi emphasized. Take echoed his determination, "A year ago, I wasn't even in a position to ride due to injury. That makes these last races even more significant. I want to ride him with confidence, leave no regrets, and give everything to win."
The Tenno Sho victory was just the beginning of Do Deuce's resurgence. Now, he stands poised to take on domestic and international heavyweights, aiming to clear the way for a historic autumn G1 treble.
Article Creds:Daily Sports