Geraldina will run for 2nd G1 title in Takarazuka Kinen
Friday, 23 June, 2023 18:29
Geraldina (right side) (photo by: Kosuke Sekiyu)
Geraldina, who finished third in the fan voting for G1 Takarazuka Kinen on 25th, is well-prepared for her second G1 victory. On the 22nd, she had a workout session at Ritto Training Centre's dirt course, where she finished ahead of her companion horse by a neck. Although the overall time was modest, covering 1200m in 90 seconds flat, she displayed a powerful turn of foot in the final 200m, clocking in at 11.4 seconds. Despite the muddy track conditions, Geraldina effortlessly glided through, demonstrating her prowess. Trainer Takashi Saito's showed satisfaction as he commented, "She has been training diligently all week, so this week we focused on not going too fast. Her response and movement was excellent. I believe she is in a good position for the upcoming race."
In her previous race, her first venture to Hong Kong, she finished 6th. Reflecting on that race, Saito said, "She started a bit slow, and I wished she could have raced closer to the front, but she couldn't utilise her speed with the slow pace." However, he added, "She gained mental strength through the overseas experience, and it didn't end with just a defeat."
Now in her prime at five years old, the daughter of the renowned Gentildonna is entering a period of fulfillment. Saito expressed confidence, stating, "The distance of 2200m is easier to handle since it provides more time until the first bend. She has matured both mentally and physically, without the temperament issues she had in her younger days. I believe she won't lose over 2,200m." Geraldina aims to achieve the Grand Prix title in the first half of the year, a feat her mother couldn't accomplish with a 3rd place finish in 2013 and a ninth-place finish in 2014. She is determined to make her comeback on the stage where she claimed her long-awaited G1 victory last autumn.
On this day, the post position draw assigned her the 11th gate in the 6th slot. Saito expressed satisfaction, saying, "I think it's a good draw. Since she doesn't have a fast start, being positioned on the inside will prevent her from being left behind and getting tangled up like in her previous race." He added, "We also have a top jockey, so I have no worries and can approach the race with confidence in his skill in the saddle."
In her previous race, her first venture to Hong Kong, she finished 6th. Reflecting on that race, Saito said, "She started a bit slow, and I wished she could have raced closer to the front, but she couldn't utilise her speed with the slow pace." However, he added, "She gained mental strength through the overseas experience, and it didn't end with just a defeat."
Now in her prime at five years old, the daughter of the renowned Gentildonna is entering a period of fulfillment. Saito expressed confidence, stating, "The distance of 2200m is easier to handle since it provides more time until the first bend. She has matured both mentally and physically, without the temperament issues she had in her younger days. I believe she won't lose over 2,200m." Geraldina aims to achieve the Grand Prix title in the first half of the year, a feat her mother couldn't accomplish with a 3rd place finish in 2013 and a ninth-place finish in 2014. She is determined to make her comeback on the stage where she claimed her long-awaited G1 victory last autumn.
On this day, the post position draw assigned her the 11th gate in the 6th slot. Saito expressed satisfaction, saying, "I think it's a good draw. Since she doesn't have a fast start, being positioned on the inside will prevent her from being left behind and getting tangled up like in her previous race." He added, "We also have a top jockey, so I have no worries and can approach the race with confidence in his skill in the saddle."
Article Creds:Daily Sports