SPOTLIGHT ON 'TENSHIN'
Once again, the Carrot Club magazine has devoted a full page to Tenshinramman, with 'Kacchi' Tanaka giving his frank opinion on the horse's performance in the Flora Stakes and her chances for the future. Taking the outside gate draw into consideration in the last outing, which is a huge burden to overcome on a 2000m Tokyo run, let's just say he's optimistic - very optimistic...
The magazine also carries photos of Miracle Rouge, Mosto Verde and Lourdes No Hitomi, as well as pictures and a few words on True Motion and Agua De Vida, the latter being the first of the NAR newbies to make their debut this year.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Thursday, June 6, 2013
THE NEW HORSES #6: TRUE MOTION
The next few profiles will deal with the Carrot Club newbies, and seeing as True Motion is due to make her debut on Sunday, we'd better start with her...
True Motion was sired by Zenno Rob Roy - the winner of a number of major races, including the Arima Kinen, and the Japan Cup, which he managed to win as a three year old and also came third in it at five. This 'Horse Of The Year' was himself sired by Sunday Silence, which means he's from the Hail To Reason line that I love so much. On saying that, one should be proud of the Sunday Silence blood, as he won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in his day. Zenno Rob Roy's mother was Roamin Rachel, who won no less than nine races from 15 starts! This pace doubtless comes from Mining, who combined the DNA of Mr Prospector from the Native Dancer line and Buckpasser - the Hall Of Famer with a strong dose of US Triple Crown winner War Admiral blood flowing through his veins.
The dam is Top Motion, who had six races in 2009. This is her first foal, so no-one knows what to expect, but being covered by Zenno Rob Roy and then Stay Gold for the next season must point to some confidence in her ability to pass on the winning DNA of Symboli Kris S (from the Hail To Reason line via Roberto and Kris S) on her father's side, and that of Assert and Hector Protector on her dam side. Assert is a wonderful Irish-registered horse that made its name racing in France, while Hector Protector won nine major races from 12 starts, including a number of G-I events in France, and boasts a good helping of Mr Prospector blood.
The next few profiles will deal with the Carrot Club newbies, and seeing as True Motion is due to make her debut on Sunday, we'd better start with her...
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| Courtesy Carrot Club |
The dam is Top Motion, who had six races in 2009. This is her first foal, so no-one knows what to expect, but being covered by Zenno Rob Roy and then Stay Gold for the next season must point to some confidence in her ability to pass on the winning DNA of Symboli Kris S (from the Hail To Reason line via Roberto and Kris S) on her father's side, and that of Assert and Hector Protector on her dam side. Assert is a wonderful Irish-registered horse that made its name racing in France, while Hector Protector won nine major races from 12 starts, including a number of G-I events in France, and boasts a good helping of Mr Prospector blood.
BIG NEWS!
While Miracle Rouge had her race set for the 16th quite a few days ago, True Motion's debut was less certain. There were mootings from the Kimura Stable of a debut on the 9th, but nothing had been set in concrete. Well, now I can tell you that she will definitely run in the fifth race Tokyo-Fuchu on said day (1800m turf), and with no less than Keita Tosaki in the saddle, which is wonderful news as far as I'm concerned. You may have noticed that I wrote Tosaki-san's profile at the start of the month - a rather happy coincidence...
Meanwhile, Belle Plage has passed her gate test, and Dinner Bell is set to go to Miho Training Centre at any minute to begin her racing career in earnest. Interestingly, Mistofeelees has been sent to Hakodate, and there are also thoughts of Mosto Verde making a bid for glory up north, too. Still with Hokkaido, but in the NAR arena, Agua De Vida is being prepared for the 'Fresh Challenge' at Monbetsu (1200m dirt) on either the 20th or 26th.
Finally, Lourdes No Hitomi is being readied for a 2100m dirt race some time within the next couple of weeks. Whether that comes before or after Louis' next competition remains to be seen, but I'll keep you posted. He was looking good jumping with 'Heart' today, while Sophie kept 'Jaguar' on the boil after Louis had warmed him up. The big fella was in a fighting mood today - I reckon if you'd have shown him a racecourse, he'd have surprised a few of the younger horses fighting for current JRA honours, that's for sure.
While Miracle Rouge had her race set for the 16th quite a few days ago, True Motion's debut was less certain. There were mootings from the Kimura Stable of a debut on the 9th, but nothing had been set in concrete. Well, now I can tell you that she will definitely run in the fifth race Tokyo-Fuchu on said day (1800m turf), and with no less than Keita Tosaki in the saddle, which is wonderful news as far as I'm concerned. You may have noticed that I wrote Tosaki-san's profile at the start of the month - a rather happy coincidence...
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| Courtesy Carrot Club |
Finally, Lourdes No Hitomi is being readied for a 2100m dirt race some time within the next couple of weeks. Whether that comes before or after Louis' next competition remains to be seen, but I'll keep you posted. He was looking good jumping with 'Heart' today, while Sophie kept 'Jaguar' on the boil after Louis had warmed him up. The big fella was in a fighting mood today - I reckon if you'd have shown him a racecourse, he'd have surprised a few of the younger horses fighting for current JRA honours, that's for sure.
TOKYO DERBY For those of you that somehow missed the news, yesterday was the 59th Tokyo Derby at TCK. The build-up was huge, and the race was every bit as dramatic as the press previews had prophesied. Ultimately, the Funabashi-based jockey, Seiji Sakai, won on Inside The Park - a surprise victory, but it was an incredibly strong finish that secured it. My sincere congratulations! It's also worth noting that last year's Derby winner, Kota Motohashi, came home in fifth - a remarkable performance given that the horse he was riding was such a rank outsider...
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
POP LABEL THIRD
Having started firm favourite, Pop Label was third in his debut race, but what a finish! One can see why he was started at such short odds, but today a poor start and gate draw was against him - a little more distance and he'd have walked it. If you want to see the race, please use this link: http://nar.chihoukeiba/362013060406.asx. He's number 9 in the Sunday TC colours...
PS. Thoughts are now turning toward the 'Attack Challenge' race scheduled for the end of June. Stay tuned!
Having started firm favourite, Pop Label was third in his debut race, but what a finish! One can see why he was started at such short odds, but today a poor start and gate draw was against him - a little more distance and he'd have walked it. If you want to see the race, please use this link: http://nar.chihoukeiba/362013060406.asx. He's number 9 in the Sunday TC colours...
PS. Thoughts are now turning toward the 'Attack Challenge' race scheduled for the end of June. Stay tuned!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
PARTY DEBUT
Last night was the Carrot Club Premium Party in Tokyo, attended by literally hundreds of club members, along with a fine selection of jockeys and trainers from both the JRA and NAR worlds. The only sad thing was that TCK had a night race on, so there wasn't as many of the NAR gang there as might have been. Not complaining, though, as it was a wonderful evening, and a good chance to meet up with old friends and make some new ones.
Funny moments? Well, there was definitely one at least, when somebody asked Louis if he was Cristian Demuro! Hehehe. Don't know how on Earth the kids managed to get to school today, as it was very late when we got back home. But somehow they did it, and with only the slightest hint at asking for a day off.
Last night was the Carrot Club Premium Party in Tokyo, attended by literally hundreds of club members, along with a fine selection of jockeys and trainers from both the JRA and NAR worlds. The only sad thing was that TCK had a night race on, so there wasn't as many of the NAR gang there as might have been. Not complaining, though, as it was a wonderful evening, and a good chance to meet up with old friends and make some new ones.Funny moments? Well, there was definitely one at least, when somebody asked Louis if he was Cristian Demuro! Hehehe. Don't know how on Earth the kids managed to get to school today, as it was very late when we got back home. But somehow they did it, and with only the slightest hint at asking for a day off.
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