Do Deuce earns record fan votes for G1 Arima Kinen to cap off his historic career
Friday, 06 December, 2024 18:47
Do Deuce (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
The Japan Racing Association announced on December 5 the final results of fan voting for the G1 Arima Kinen (December 22, Nakayama Racecourse), with a total of 5,021,272 valid votes cast. Last year's champion, Do Deuce, dominated the rankings from the first interim report, securing an unprecedented 478,415 votes, the highest in the race's history. This shattered the previous record of 368,304 votes set by Titleholder in 2022. Set to make his final career start, Do Deuce aims to cap his career with a third consecutive G1 victory following triumphs in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup.
The race will feature a full field of 16 runners. The top 10 horses in the fan voting are guaranteed entry, while the remaining six spots will be determined based on prize money standings.
With record-breaking support behind him, Do Deuce aims to deliver a victory for the ages. Garnering 478,415 votes, he not only topped the Arima Kinen fan poll but also achieved the highest-ever tally across both the spring and autumn grand prix, following his leading vote count in the Takarazuka Kinen. "I would like to express my gratitude to all the fans who voted," said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. Fan letters and good luck charms continue to pour in, reflecting the immense popularity of the horse. "I can truly feel the support. Among all the horses I've trained, he stands out as the most beloved. Perhaps the 'Yutaka Take effect' plays a role," he added emotionally.
Do Deuce's form this autumn has followed a similar schedule to last year, but with a remarkable difference in trajectory. "Last year, we barely made it to the Tenno Sho in time, and his condition improved from a six- to an eight-, then to a ten-out-of-ten," Tomomichi explained. "This year, he was already at a ten for the Tenno Sho, and he's been holding that form. He's in peak condition right now."
With G1 victories at ages two, three, and four, Do Deuce has added two more top-level wins at age five. Trainer Tomomichi is confident in his charge as they aim for a sweep of the autumn Triple Crown. "He's calmer than he was in the spring, and his physique is entirely different from last year. He's gained muscle and has developed more width, it's the picture of a completed horse," he noted with satisfaction.
As his retirement approaches, Tomomichi reflected on the horse's final campaign. "I didn't think about it much during the Japan Cup, but now I feel it, this is the end. Next year, he won't be here."
Do Deuce is set for a clocked workout on December 8 at the Ritto Training Center's slope course, with Yutaka Take scheduled to ride in a final gallop on December 11 or 12, weather permitting. The team continues to progress methodically toward the horse's farewell race.
The race will feature a full field of 16 runners. The top 10 horses in the fan voting are guaranteed entry, while the remaining six spots will be determined based on prize money standings.
With record-breaking support behind him, Do Deuce aims to deliver a victory for the ages. Garnering 478,415 votes, he not only topped the Arima Kinen fan poll but also achieved the highest-ever tally across both the spring and autumn grand prix, following his leading vote count in the Takarazuka Kinen. "I would like to express my gratitude to all the fans who voted," said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. Fan letters and good luck charms continue to pour in, reflecting the immense popularity of the horse. "I can truly feel the support. Among all the horses I've trained, he stands out as the most beloved. Perhaps the 'Yutaka Take effect' plays a role," he added emotionally.
Do Deuce's form this autumn has followed a similar schedule to last year, but with a remarkable difference in trajectory. "Last year, we barely made it to the Tenno Sho in time, and his condition improved from a six- to an eight-, then to a ten-out-of-ten," Tomomichi explained. "This year, he was already at a ten for the Tenno Sho, and he's been holding that form. He's in peak condition right now."
With G1 victories at ages two, three, and four, Do Deuce has added two more top-level wins at age five. Trainer Tomomichi is confident in his charge as they aim for a sweep of the autumn Triple Crown. "He's calmer than he was in the spring, and his physique is entirely different from last year. He's gained muscle and has developed more width, it's the picture of a completed horse," he noted with satisfaction.
As his retirement approaches, Tomomichi reflected on the horse's final campaign. "I didn't think about it much during the Japan Cup, but now I feel it, this is the end. Next year, he won't be here."
Do Deuce is set for a clocked workout on December 8 at the Ritto Training Center's slope course, with Yutaka Take scheduled to ride in a final gallop on December 11 or 12, weather permitting. The team continues to progress methodically toward the horse's farewell race.
Article Creds:Daily Sports