ALMOST A MIRACLE 
Watching Miracle Rouge in the paddock today, I thought how beautiful she looked. I also thought she had the build of a shorter-distance runner, and pre-race reports in the racing press doubted whether she could stay the distance. But then Harita-san strode into the arena - a true warrior in the saddle - and you know her chances of doing well have just increased by a fair margin...

Well, the start could have been better, but, as the jockey noted, she still hasn't fully grown yet, and didn't have that kick out of the gate that will come in the next few months of training. Having been last for most of the race, Harita made his move going into the third corner. I'm not exaggerating when I say that one of the finest displays of riding I've seen in a long time followed, with the Funabashi jockey staying close to the rail to keep the distance down but still managing to weave through the backmarkers as if they were standing still. Any doubts of staying power were dismissed in the final straight as she went up a gear and blasted away for the finish. The pair deserved better than fifth place, but it was a sign of what can be achieved in the future. I sincerely hope Harita-san keeps the ride after today's sterling performance.