Lemon Pop, reigning champion of Japanese dirt racing, looks to cap off career with G1 Champions Cup title
Friday, 29 November, 2024 18:16
Lemon Pop (Photo: Tadashi Nishioka)
Reigning G1 Champions Cup winner Lemon Pop completed his final track work at Miho Training Center's woodchip course on the 28th, showcasing powerful strides that signal he is in peak condition. With an illustrious career boasting five G1-level wins on dirt, the reigning champion will hang up his racing shoes after this run. Aiming to become only the second horse in history to achieve back-to-back Champions Cup victories following Transcend in 2010 and 2011. Lemon Pop seeks a triumphant farewell.
Despite the significance of this final race, the team maintains a challenger's mindset. Unlike the intense paired work of the previous week, Lemon Pop focused on a more relaxed, solo gallop, emphasizing his final stretch on the woodchip track. Covering 6 furlongs in 82.4 seconds, finishing with a sharp 36.2-11.3, the six-year-old showcased a composed yet powerful demeanour, free from any signs of overexertion.
Trainer Haruki Tanaka explained the rare decision to opt for solo work, "Normally, he wouldn't work solo for his final prep, but given various considerations, this approach felt right. He ran freely and showed great form." When pressed about the "various considerations," Tanaka elaborated, "This year, we've noticed he's been more excitable, so we factored that into our decision-making."
After narrowly losing the 2022 Musashino Stakes by a nose, Lemon Pop has gone undefeated domestically for over two years, solidifying his status as the king of the dirt. However, Tanaka remains humble about the challenge ahead, "The distance is still a challenge for him. He's more suited to 1400m and 1600m, so even with the strong support of the fans, we approach this race with the mentality of a challenger."
This year, Lemon Pop drew barrier number 2, a stark contrast to the far outside post he successfully overcame last year. Tanaka welcomed the change, "Compared to last year, this is a good draw. From this position, we can show what he's truly capable of." As the cornerstone of Tanaka's stable, Lemon Pop has delivered a series of firsts, starting with the stable's first graded stakes title, its first G1 win, and even its first foray into international racing. Tanaka expressed deep gratitude, "He's laid the foundation for this stable. To win here and cap his career would be the perfect conclusion."
Aiming for a historic Champions Cup repeat, Lemon Pop seeks to bid farewell as the undisputed king of dirt racing.
Despite the significance of this final race, the team maintains a challenger's mindset. Unlike the intense paired work of the previous week, Lemon Pop focused on a more relaxed, solo gallop, emphasizing his final stretch on the woodchip track. Covering 6 furlongs in 82.4 seconds, finishing with a sharp 36.2-11.3, the six-year-old showcased a composed yet powerful demeanour, free from any signs of overexertion.
Trainer Haruki Tanaka explained the rare decision to opt for solo work, "Normally, he wouldn't work solo for his final prep, but given various considerations, this approach felt right. He ran freely and showed great form." When pressed about the "various considerations," Tanaka elaborated, "This year, we've noticed he's been more excitable, so we factored that into our decision-making."
After narrowly losing the 2022 Musashino Stakes by a nose, Lemon Pop has gone undefeated domestically for over two years, solidifying his status as the king of the dirt. However, Tanaka remains humble about the challenge ahead, "The distance is still a challenge for him. He's more suited to 1400m and 1600m, so even with the strong support of the fans, we approach this race with the mentality of a challenger."
This year, Lemon Pop drew barrier number 2, a stark contrast to the far outside post he successfully overcame last year. Tanaka welcomed the change, "Compared to last year, this is a good draw. From this position, we can show what he's truly capable of." As the cornerstone of Tanaka's stable, Lemon Pop has delivered a series of firsts, starting with the stable's first graded stakes title, its first G1 win, and even its first foray into international racing. Tanaka expressed deep gratitude, "He's laid the foundation for this stable. To win here and cap his career would be the perfect conclusion."
Aiming for a historic Champions Cup repeat, Lemon Pop seeks to bid farewell as the undisputed king of dirt racing.
Article Creds:Daily Sports