2005 News
June 26, 2005
THE 46TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (GI)
Sunday, June 26, 2005
THE 46TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (GI)
Eleventh favorite SWEEP TOSHO won this year's TAKARAZUKA KINEN, beating a strong field of 15 which included 14 grade-race winners. SWEEP TOSHO who claimed her second grade-one victory, became the first filly to win this race in 39 years.
The race broke off with last year's runner-up SILK FAMOUS immediately taking the lead, but the front was soon overtaken by COSMO BULK who gained a 3-length lead through the first two corners. Last year's champion and race favorite TAP DANCE CITY saved ground to settle in fourth position, made an early move, edging up to second position through the backstretch, and took the front at the beginning of the homestretch. The defending champion, however, being one paced at the stretch, was captured by 4th favorite LINCOLN at the 200-meter line and faded to 7th place. SWEEP TOSHO partnered with Kenichi Ikezoe traveled wide in midfield around 8th position and burst out after turning wide around the last corner. The filly exerted a magnificent kick in the homestretch, nailing LINCOLN 100 meters out, and further accelerated to claim the title. Third pick HEART'S CRY, settling third from last, also showed a remarkable charge from way back in the homestretch and overtook 2nd choice ZENNO ROB ROY-who had surged out right behind SWEEP TOSHO-in the last four strides to reach the wire just a neck behind the winner.
Last year's horse of the year ZENNO ROB ROY is scheduled to be transported to the U.K. to challenge in the International Stakes (GI) in August.
