Amakihi aims to follow family legacy in the G1 Hopeful Stakes
Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 17:06
Amakihi
Amakihi, a colt with one career start and one victory is set to take on the G1 Hopeful Stakes. A son of Apapane, the filly who achieved the Triple Tiara in 2010, and a half-brother to 2021 G1 Shuka Sho winner Akaitorino Musume, his pedigree is steeped in strength and class. This race marks a chance for trainer Sakae Kunieda to complete the set of all JRA 2-year-old G1 races, a significant milestone as he approaches mandatory retirement in spring 2026. With hopes pinned on a Classic victory for colts, Kunieda's focus is sharper than ever.
On a freezing Tuesday morning at the Miho Training Center, where the thermometer registered -3 degrees Celsius, Amakihi appeared at 7:00 AM. In the frosty conditions, he moved effortlessly up the slope course, clocking 6F in 63.6 seconds, including 46.9 and 15.3 seconds splits. Trainer Kunieda observed the smooth rhythm and remarked with a bright expression, "He's full of energy and progressing well."
Amakihi debuted as the 2.4 favorite and delivered a narrow but commanding win, securing victory by a head over the second-place finisher. The performance may not have been flashy, but it was rich in substance. He effortlessly took the lead, settled well during the race, and showcased sharp race sense despite his inexperience. In the final furlong, when the runner-up momentarily edged ahead, Amakihi responded with a composed and determined rally to reclaim the lead at the wire. His win reflected far more control and capacity than the margin suggests.
The second-place finisher, Rogerley Mine, a son of two-time G1 winner Marialite, went on to break his maiden on December 22 at Nakayama in Race 4. Meanwhile, Matenro Move, who finished third by three-and-a-half lengths in the debut race, also claimed victory in his second start, further affirming the high level of competition Amakihi faced.
In a tune-up last week, Amakihi worked 6F in 84.7 seconds with graded stakes winner Parallel Vision on the woodchip track. Although the effort lacked sharpness, prompting Kunieda to speculate, "Maybe he was being considerate of his partner," the trainer noted progress in a subsequent workout on December 22, where Amakihi closed strongly in company. "The feel was good," Kunieda remarked, confident that final preparations this week will bring him to peak condition for race day.
Historically, only two horses have captured a G1 title with a single start under their belt, Joie de Vivre (2011 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies) and Leontes (2015 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes). While Amakihi faces a steep challenge against a stronger field on an unfamiliar track, Kunieda remains optimistic. "He's well-rounded and has good overall quality. He can race forward, and I think Nakayama will suit him," the trainer stated, emphasizing the colt's tactical versatility. If Amakihi overcomes these challenges, he could follow in the illustrious footsteps of his mother and sister.
On a freezing Tuesday morning at the Miho Training Center, where the thermometer registered -3 degrees Celsius, Amakihi appeared at 7:00 AM. In the frosty conditions, he moved effortlessly up the slope course, clocking 6F in 63.6 seconds, including 46.9 and 15.3 seconds splits. Trainer Kunieda observed the smooth rhythm and remarked with a bright expression, "He's full of energy and progressing well."
Amakihi debuted as the 2.4 favorite and delivered a narrow but commanding win, securing victory by a head over the second-place finisher. The performance may not have been flashy, but it was rich in substance. He effortlessly took the lead, settled well during the race, and showcased sharp race sense despite his inexperience. In the final furlong, when the runner-up momentarily edged ahead, Amakihi responded with a composed and determined rally to reclaim the lead at the wire. His win reflected far more control and capacity than the margin suggests.
The second-place finisher, Rogerley Mine, a son of two-time G1 winner Marialite, went on to break his maiden on December 22 at Nakayama in Race 4. Meanwhile, Matenro Move, who finished third by three-and-a-half lengths in the debut race, also claimed victory in his second start, further affirming the high level of competition Amakihi faced.
In a tune-up last week, Amakihi worked 6F in 84.7 seconds with graded stakes winner Parallel Vision on the woodchip track. Although the effort lacked sharpness, prompting Kunieda to speculate, "Maybe he was being considerate of his partner," the trainer noted progress in a subsequent workout on December 22, where Amakihi closed strongly in company. "The feel was good," Kunieda remarked, confident that final preparations this week will bring him to peak condition for race day.
Historically, only two horses have captured a G1 title with a single start under their belt, Joie de Vivre (2011 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies) and Leontes (2015 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes). While Amakihi faces a steep challenge against a stronger field on an unfamiliar track, Kunieda remains optimistic. "He's well-rounded and has good overall quality. He can race forward, and I think Nakayama will suit him," the trainer stated, emphasizing the colt's tactical versatility. If Amakihi overcomes these challenges, he could follow in the illustrious footsteps of his mother and sister.
Article Creds:Daily Sports