Japan-based runners ridden by Christophe Lemaire dominated racing at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 26, capped by Dancing Prince's facile victory in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint Presented by Saudia (G3) while notching an unprecedented fourth victory for his home country at the Saudi Cup meeting.
The Keisuke Miyata-trained six-year-old by Pas De Trois had the run of the race after bursting from the gates to claim the lead. Setting quick early fractions, he maintained his advantage and galloped into the straight with Good Effort in hot pursuit but ultimately settling for second as Dancing Prince surged further clear in the closing stages to win by 5 ¾ lengths.
The winner of his only two starts in Japan in the last 12 months, including the Capella Stakes (G3) in December, the consistent Dancing Prince has now won nine of his 13 lifetime starts.
Adding to Japan's incredible night in Riyadh, Chain Of Love, trained by Michihiro Ogasa, ran on well to take third, 3 3/4 lengths behind the runner-up.
“This is unbelievable,” Lemaire said. “I knew this was a very good horse and it's easy when you are riding good horses. I have been in Japan for two years with the restrictions and no travel, so I was fresh tonight! My horses were just too good tonight. I don't know what to say.”
Other Japan-based winners on the card to score wins with Lemaire were Authority in the Neom Turf Cup Presented by Jahez (G3), Songline in the Turf Sprint Presented by stc (G3), and Stay Foolish in the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap (G3).
The post Japan Runners, Lemaire Dominate Saudi Cup Card appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
