2005 News
May 28, 2005
THE 41ST KINKO SHO (JPN GII)
Saturday, May 28, 2005
THE 41ST KINKO SHO (JPN GII)
Marking his seventh grade race victory, '03 Japan Cup winner and top favorite TAP DANCE CITY succeeded in defending his title to become the first horse in history to capture the Kinko Sho title for three consecutive years.
The race broke off well with top favorite TAP DANCE CITY and jockey Tetsuzo Sato immediately taking the lead before the initial turn, keeping more than a length advantage from SAFETY EMPEROR and second favorite SILK FAMOUS in pursuit all the way up to the stretch. Racing uncontested on the lead throughout the race, TAP DANCE CITY put daylight between him and the rest of the pack to clear the wire with a 2 1/2 length margin. Sixth pick VITA ROSA stayed off the pace, swung to the outside to improve position at the final turn, and fought impressively but belatedly at the stretch to finish second. SILK FAMOUS, in his first attempt on Chukyo turf, hugged the rail and cruised just behind SAFETY EMPEROR in third position to the upper stretch. He battled gamely with third favorite and four time grade race winner ADMIRE GROOVE to the wire, only to be out-finished by VITA ROSA by a neck.
MARVELOUS DANCE and HUSTLER were pulled up at the third corner due to limb injuries.
