2006 News
June 25, 2006
THE 47TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (GI)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
RESULT OF THE 47TH TAKARAZUKA KINEN (GI)
Race favorite DEEP IMPACT partnered with Yutaka Take lived up to the expectations of the fans to win this year's TAKARAZUKA KINEN by 4 lengths, claiming his 10th victory out of 11 starts, which includes 5 GI and 3 GII victories. Runner-up was 10th pick NARITA CENTURY with 9th favorite BALANCE OF GAME coming in third.
The race proceeded perfectly for the talented colt and jockey who have been pairing since the colt's debut race. While the colt broke smoothly through the gate, Take held him back, settling him in his usual position in the rear - second from last. Traveling wide throughout the race, Take gave a go sign around the third corner, to which the colt responded flawlessly. Overtaking his opponents like a wind in the homestretch, the colt captured the front after the 200-meter line and further accelerated to a comfortable 4-length victory.
Setting the pace throughout most of the race, BALANCE OF GAME held on well in the homestretch even after being overtaken by DEEP IMPACT, but was captured just before the goal by NARITA CENTURY who had burst out from the middle of the pack after the last corner.
DEEP IMPACT is scheduled to be transported to FRANCE to challenge the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe (G1) held on October 1st.
