A Shin Spotter aims for redemption in the G3 Negishi Stakes
Friday, 31 January, 2025 17:44
A Shin Spotter (Photo: Kosuke Ishiyu)
A Shin Spotter has built his career as a turf sprinter but now shifts his focus to dirt in hopes of regaining his brilliance. Though his recent performances in graded stakes have been underwhelming, he aims for his first graded stakes victory in the G3 Negishi Stakes, using his signature explosive late kick to stun his rivals once again.
Looking to rediscover his powerful finish, A Shin Spotter will race on dirt for the first time in nearly three years. He had a brief experience on the surface in his second and third career starts but has since relied on his exceptional turn of foot to compete in turf sprints. Now six years old, he takes on a new challenge. Trainer Keizi Yoshimura is optimistic about the transition. "He didn't run poorly on dirt before, and he didn't seem to mind kickback. He also handles heavy turf just fine," Yoshimura noted, believing in his potential.
A Shin Spotter is known for his strong finishing burst, often waiting at the back before unleashing his speed. In last year's Azuchijo Stakes, he produced an incredible closing 600 meters in 32.5 seconds to secure a come-from-behind victory.
However, his last three starts have been disappointing, finishing 9th, 14th, and 13th. "He's still using his late speed, but in graded stakes, he's struggling to break in amongst the top finishers. Now that he's six years old, I'd like to see him bring something new to the table," the trainer said, determined to find a winning formula.
His preparation has gone smoothly. "He's a remarkably sound horse, making training easy. He's never had any major issues," Yoshimura said. Reflecting on A Shin Spotter's early days, he added with a smile, "He used to be sluggish, almost like a cow in trackwork. But as he raced more, he became sharper." Looking ahead to his upcoming race, the trainer remains confident. "Even with his calm demeanour, it's not a problem. As long as we can run a race that showcases his finishing speed, he'll be right there in contention."
A Shin Spotter is ready to claim his long-awaited graded stakes title, aiming to unleash his devastating late charge for victory.
Looking to rediscover his powerful finish, A Shin Spotter will race on dirt for the first time in nearly three years. He had a brief experience on the surface in his second and third career starts but has since relied on his exceptional turn of foot to compete in turf sprints. Now six years old, he takes on a new challenge. Trainer Keizi Yoshimura is optimistic about the transition. "He didn't run poorly on dirt before, and he didn't seem to mind kickback. He also handles heavy turf just fine," Yoshimura noted, believing in his potential.
A Shin Spotter is known for his strong finishing burst, often waiting at the back before unleashing his speed. In last year's Azuchijo Stakes, he produced an incredible closing 600 meters in 32.5 seconds to secure a come-from-behind victory.
However, his last three starts have been disappointing, finishing 9th, 14th, and 13th. "He's still using his late speed, but in graded stakes, he's struggling to break in amongst the top finishers. Now that he's six years old, I'd like to see him bring something new to the table," the trainer said, determined to find a winning formula.
His preparation has gone smoothly. "He's a remarkably sound horse, making training easy. He's never had any major issues," Yoshimura said. Reflecting on A Shin Spotter's early days, he added with a smile, "He used to be sluggish, almost like a cow in trackwork. But as he raced more, he became sharper." Looking ahead to his upcoming race, the trainer remains confident. "Even with his calm demeanour, it's not a problem. As long as we can run a race that showcases his finishing speed, he'll be right there in contention."
A Shin Spotter is ready to claim his long-awaited graded stakes title, aiming to unleash his devastating late charge for victory.
Article Creds:Daily Sports