Four-time G1 Arima Kinen winner Kenichi Ikezoe has opened up about his feelings in an interview with us before this weekend's Arima Kinen, in which he will partner Through Seven Seas.

Interviewer - "You could not ride in the Arima Kinen last year because of an injury. How are you feeling for this year's Arima Kinen?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "I was invited to the racecourse as a guest for talk shows and such but it was not a good time for me. I am very thankful for the connections of Through Seven Seas for allowing me to take part in this great race."

Interviewer - "This will be your second race with Through Seven Seas after finishing second behind Equinox in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen."

Kenichi Ikezoe - "I knew she was an amazing horse and I thought there was a chance for us to win against Equinox."

Interviewer - "Could you reflect on the race?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "We struggled to go forward at the home turn. If we'd had a smoother run we could have won. I was stressed that we could not win more than feeling the happiness of finishing second behind Equinox."

Interviewer - "What is your take on her in the Arc?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "The ground condition suited Japanese horses. Ace Impact had a clearer way to go forward and I think that is the part which made a difference in the outcome of the race.

Interviewer - "Sire of Through Seven Seas, Dream Journey won the Arima Kinen with you. How are you feeling this connection with the family?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "Her stride and the use of body is not similar to her father but I am grateful for this opportunity and hope I can win so she can join her father."

Interviewer - "Do you think she suits the Nakayama course over 2500m?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "She won a graded stakes here so I think she will be okay. Distance and barrier number bias are the trickiest things for this race so let's see how that goes."

Interviewer - "You have won this race four times. What elements make you different from other jockeys?"

Kenichi Ikezoe - "The most important part is how calm and relaxed you can make the horse until they reach the first corner. There is competition for a good spot in the pack of horses and a roar from the crowd. It is very important to make a horse calm and travel at their pace."

Interviewer - "We would love to see you back in the winner's circle as a Grand Prix winner."

Kenichi Ikezoe - "Christophe (Lemaire) is getting close to four wins so I have to win again. I have struggled this year with an injury and this will be the final G1 for me for this year as I am going to have a recovery surgery from last year's injury. It will be great to cap off this year with the Grand Prix winner."