2005 News
April 10, 2005
THE APRIL STAKES
Sunday, April 10, 2005
APRIL STAKES
SUZUNO MARCH, always prominent throughout the race, distributed a fine turn of foot before the last furlong to gain command and drew off to a 1-3/4 length victory in this year's April Stakes. HUSTLER stayed well to finish second after gaining a short lead from before the turn for home until finally pinned by the winner while KANAHARA DRAGON survived a fierce rally with MEINER AMUNDSEN and KEY VOLANTE for the third place.
The race broke off with SPRING SION speeding off to set the pace while CAMPHOR BEST followed in pursuit in second place until HUSTLER advanced from the outside to take his place in second position. SUZUNO MARCH saved ground in the inside while KANAHARA DRAGON sat right behind him in fifth position. Defending champion, YAMANO BLIZZARD missed his break and was never a threat as was third favorite ASAKA DEFEAT who was also slow after the start.
Heavy favorite MAKYBE DIVA sat third from rear but was unable to give her usual charge when driven hard before the uphill stretch coming for home.
Jockey Glen Boss who partnered MAKYBE DIVA commented "The turf was too firm for her and she was unable to give her usual spurt. The weight and distance would not be an excuse."
Trainer Lee Freedman denied any condition problems being the result of her defeat and expressed his determination to have her well prepared her for her next and main target, the Tenno Sho Spring (GI) so that she will be able to give her best performance at Kyoto.
