2005 News
March 26, 2005
THE 53RD NIKKEI SHO (JPN-GII)
Saturday, March 26, 2005
THE 53RD NIKKEI SHO (JPN-GII)
YUKINO SUN ROYAL partnered by Jiro Ono claimed this year's Nikkei Sho following his disappointing 11th place last year and celebrated his first grade-race victory. Nosed out by the winner was third favorite TOSHO NIGHT, followed by second favorite OPERA CITY another 1-1/4 length behind in third place.
The race broke off well with GRASS VOLANTE taking the lead with race favorite COSMO BULK pressing the pace in second position. COSMO BULK surged to the top at the 2nd corner but was caught by rivals at the furlong pole. YUKINO SUN ROYAL who worked his way up to mid pack from second to rear making a five wide bid entering the stretch rallied firecely with TOSHO NIGHT to clear the wire by a nose. OPERA CITY traveled most of the race in midpack, improved position to fifth at final turn inside YUKINO SUN ROYAL, but lacked a strong closing response to finish third.
