After a minute's silence to remember those lost in the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami at Funabashi yesterday, it was time for Phosphorus and Pop Label to run. I thought 'Phos' had won, taking up the running from the start with Shun Ishizaki at the controls (the plan I would have gone for myself), but he ultimately came third at the line, while Tosaki-kun allowed Pop Label to show some of his early form to come a close second. No champagne, although both horses ran well. Phosphorus almost led from the gate after a spurt of power put him in front, and to hold on in a class field after 1800m shows his strength. Nonetheless, Yano-sensei is thinking of a mile for his next race. As for 'Pop', well, it's taken a long time for him to recover from injury, but I think we can safely say he's back...
PS. There are a few saving graces to this story, too. It was Wakita-kun that won, and he will retire from racing any minute. He's a smashing guy, so I don't begrudge his victory. Secondly, as Sophie pointed out - if 'Pop' had won, it was a shame for 'Phos', and vice versa. Always look on the bright side of life.
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