Myriad Love stuns the crowd with historic Jpn 1 Zen-Nihon Nisai Yushun victory
Thursday, 12 December, 2024 19:49
Myriad Love
A filly has secured a dream shot at the Kentucky Derby. Despite a significant weight loss, the second-favourite in the Jpn 1 Zen-Nihon Nisai, Myriad Love, dominated a strong field of colts, claiming her first major title with an unblemished record of three consecutive wins. The third-favourite Happy Man, another JRA contender, finished second, while the fourth-favourite Soldier Field from Mombetsu Regional Racing impressed in third. Overwhelming 1.4-to-1 favourite Natural Rise failed to deliver, finishing a disappointing fourth.
The winter chill at Kawasaki Racecourse was no match for Myriad Love's trademark early speed. She tracked in second, overtaking fellow filly Holy Grail, the pacesetter, just past the third corner. Once she accelerated, her momentum was unstoppable. Urged on by a right-handed whip, she held off a late charge from Happy Man, winning by three-quarters of a length.
Since the JRA-NAR exchange races began in 1997, Myriad Love is only the fourth filly to win this race, following Rieno Tesoro in 2016. Her regular rider, Atsuya Nishimura, could not hide his delight, "It was her first time over a full lap and at this distance, so I wasn't entirely confident, but she won in such a strong manner, proving us wrong."
Pre-race preparation included a diligent track inspection with Ryusei Sakai. Nishimura, who celebrated his maiden G1 victory aboard Lugal in the Sprinters Stakes in September, was moved to tears after this triumph in the highest echelon of dirt racing. "The focus early on was to keep her relaxed. She responded more strongly than I expected, but I'm thrilled we could win. She's an absolute joy to ride."
This was also the first major win for owner Asuka Shiraishi, who beamed with pride, "She had lost quite a bit of weight, but her muscle tone was unchanged. Trainer Koichi Shintani and I picked her out together at the Select Sale (yearling purchase for 29.7 million JPY). She's the first filly I've owned, and I'm so happy. This has been an incredible experience."
Myriad Love has proven versatile across various conditions, but her 14kg weight loss ahead of this race was concerning. Trainer Koichi Shintani, who opened his stable in 2020, was visibly moved after earning his first domestic graded stakes win at Kawasaki Racecourse, now crowned with his first Jpn1 title. "Her move might have seemed early, but she gave it her all," he remarked. Having achieved success internationally with horses like Crown Pride and Remake, Shintani confirmed their next target, "We're heading to Saudi Arabia next."
Following the paths of Derma Sotogake (third in 2022) and Forever Young (winner in 2023), Myriad Love will aim for the G3 Saudi Derby on February 22, 2025. This promising filly, whose potential remains untapped, is now poised to take on the world.
The winter chill at Kawasaki Racecourse was no match for Myriad Love's trademark early speed. She tracked in second, overtaking fellow filly Holy Grail, the pacesetter, just past the third corner. Once she accelerated, her momentum was unstoppable. Urged on by a right-handed whip, she held off a late charge from Happy Man, winning by three-quarters of a length.
Since the JRA-NAR exchange races began in 1997, Myriad Love is only the fourth filly to win this race, following Rieno Tesoro in 2016. Her regular rider, Atsuya Nishimura, could not hide his delight, "It was her first time over a full lap and at this distance, so I wasn't entirely confident, but she won in such a strong manner, proving us wrong."
Pre-race preparation included a diligent track inspection with Ryusei Sakai. Nishimura, who celebrated his maiden G1 victory aboard Lugal in the Sprinters Stakes in September, was moved to tears after this triumph in the highest echelon of dirt racing. "The focus early on was to keep her relaxed. She responded more strongly than I expected, but I'm thrilled we could win. She's an absolute joy to ride."
This was also the first major win for owner Asuka Shiraishi, who beamed with pride, "She had lost quite a bit of weight, but her muscle tone was unchanged. Trainer Koichi Shintani and I picked her out together at the Select Sale (yearling purchase for 29.7 million JPY). She's the first filly I've owned, and I'm so happy. This has been an incredible experience."
Myriad Love has proven versatile across various conditions, but her 14kg weight loss ahead of this race was concerning. Trainer Koichi Shintani, who opened his stable in 2020, was visibly moved after earning his first domestic graded stakes win at Kawasaki Racecourse, now crowned with his first Jpn1 title. "Her move might have seemed early, but she gave it her all," he remarked. Having achieved success internationally with horses like Crown Pride and Remake, Shintani confirmed their next target, "We're heading to Saudi Arabia next."
Following the paths of Derma Sotogake (third in 2022) and Forever Young (winner in 2023), Myriad Love will aim for the G3 Saudi Derby on February 22, 2025. This promising filly, whose potential remains untapped, is now poised to take on the world.
Article Creds:Daily Sports