Few sports fans ever have the privilege of watching a world-class trainer cultivate a champion athlete—and even fewer fans have the opportunity to witness the development of an elite animal athlete. The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be in our sport. The transformation of Cigar from a horse that showed modest turf ability to one that developed into a legend on dirt illustrates how critical a trainer’s role can be.
Month: October 2022
Newmarket: King Charles to sell 14 of Queen’s horses
The King is selling 14 of her late Majesty's racehorses at Newmarket auction house Tattersalls.
Ask Victor More Lowers Track Record In Winning Japanese St. Leger
Second favorite Ask Victor More set a track record of 3:02.4 for about 1 7/8 miles in winning the final jewel in Japan's Triple Crown, the $2.8 million Kikuka Sho (G1) (Japanese St. Leger), Sunday at Hanshin Racecourse
Trainer Yasuhito Tamura and jockey Hironobu Tanabe each picked up their first classic victory with Ask Victor More, who was fifth in the Satsuki Sho (G1) (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and a close third in the Tokyo Yushun (G1) (Japanese Derby) earlier this year.
Ask Victor More broke sharply from stall 14 in the Kikuka Sho, and while a good five lengths behind pacesetter Seiun Hades maintained his position in second while without pressure and cruising in good rhythm.
As the field gradually made headway passing the 800-meter pole, the Deep Impact colt easily pinned the leader and drew away, leading the rest by about four lengths entering the stretch. He was only threatened by Boldog Hos and Justin Palace, who came charging up down the middle in the closing stages, but he prevailed by a nose to score his first win at the highest level in record time.
“I had a lot in my mind as to how I should ride in such a way that would produce good results for the colt,” Tanabe said, “and I am relieved that it worked out well. Although he we will be facing even tougher competition in the future, I feel that he is getting stronger with every race and hope that we can continue with good results.”
Boldog Hos was reserved in mid-division early while saving ground and slowly angled out away from the rails as the horses began to make their move soon after the 800-meter marker. Picking up speed turning for home down the middle lane, he was joined by Justin Palace on his inside and the two pulled away within the last furlong with tremendous late charge, with Boldog Hos managing to extend his stride to just miss at the wire.
Justin Palace was forwardly placed outside the race favorite two wide and kept a close watch on the foe through the early stages.
While Gaia Force failed to find another gear after the final turn, Justin Palace had plenty left in the tank to follow Boldog Hos, who came flying by on his outside and kept in tandem with that rival until just before the wire where he was outrun by the first two settled for third.
Race favorite Gaia Force was a fraction slow out of the gate and was rated around seventh or eighth along the rails for most of the way. Constantly covered by horses close in front and around, the Kitasan Black colt struggled to find space as the field began to make headway and only just found a clearing after entering the stretch where the gray was unable to pick up speed and faded to eighth.
Ask Victor More is campaigned by Hirosaki Toshihiro HD Co. Ltd. Bred by Shadai Farm, his dam is the Rainbow Quest mare Kartica.
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‘He Showed Today He Was The Boss’: Ironstone Powers To Ontario Derby Triumph
Ironstone, under leading rider Kazushi Kimura, was at the top of his game in taking the $177,300 Ontario Derby (G3) on Sunday at Woodbine.
A headstrong The Minkster quickly grabbed the lead in the 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-olds and was joined by an equally strong-willed Ironstone, who settled into second spot as the field navigated the first turn.
The Minkster clicked off an opening quarter in :24.47 as Kimura kept close tabs on the leader, with Bringer of Rain, Mannix, and late-closing Luckman rounding out the early order.
Not long after the opening panel, Luckman made a rapid move from last to second, just to the outside of The Minkster, as Ironstone remained nestled along the rail through a half reached in :48.67.
Still on top as the field straightened for home, The Minkster was soon confronted by the presence of Ironstone, who eventually wore down his rival just past the furlong marker to earn a 2 ¾-length victory in a time of 1:49.15 on the all-weather main track. Bringer of Rain was third and Mannix was fourth.
“We've been teaching him to be a little more comfortable in the morning time,” said Kimura.
For the connections of Ironstone the afternoon result was indeed a sweet one.
The son of Mr Speaker had posted a trio of thirds in 2022, along with a fourth in the Queen's Plate and a runner-up effort in the Prince of Wales, the opening two jewels in the Canadian Triple Crown.
On Sunday, the multiple stakes-winning gray colt delivered his finest triumph to date.
“This win is very special for me,” said trainer William Armata. “This horse has taken me places I've never been in my career, the Queen's Plate, and the Prince of Wales. It was just a phenomenal run. I was very happy with both performances. Unfortunately, we couldn't win, but we were in the big dance. He showed today he was the boss.”
It was the third win, to go along with four seconds and a trio of thirds, from 12 starts for the Tequesta Racing Inc. and Jupiter Leasing Co. sophomore, who was bred in Ontario by Kingview Farms. His dam is the Unbridled's Song mare Casey's Dreamin'.
Last year, Ironstone went 2-3-0 from six engagements, the victories coming in stakes events, the Simcoe and Clarendon.
“I'm very proud of myself and I'm proud of my crew and everyone that deals with the horse,” said Armata. “It's all a team effort. I know there's an 'I' in Ironstone, but I'm proud of everybody. I just want to thank the owners for giving me an opportunity to train a horse like Ironstone. It's just been an unbelievable run.”
Sent off at 7-5, Ironstone paid $4.80 for the win.
The post ‘He Showed Today He Was The Boss’: Ironstone Powers To Ontario Derby Triumph appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
