By Masakazu Takahashi
Trainer Noriyuki Hori added a second Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) gong to his trophy collection Sunday after Tastiera raced in at the forefront of a furious four-horse finish in the 2400m contest at Tokyo.
In the process, Tastiera, a Satono Crown colt, exacted revenge against Sol Oriens for his defeat by the latter in the Grade 1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) at Nakayama in mid-April.
Guided by Australian jockey Damian Lane, Tastiera ran a relaxed fifth to a furious pace set by Pax Ottomanica, who midway through the race went clear by over a dozen lengths. As far as the rest of the pack went, they were comfortable in the knowledge the pace would get the better of the one who set it.
And so it was that as the battle of the homestretch loomed, Pax Ottomanica faded quickly, filling in at 13th. As far as the finish went, it reached fever pitch. Tastiera led but did not have it easy as Sol Oriens, Hearts Concerto and Bellagio Opera all hit home hard, closing in with every stride until the wire, which came just in time for Tastiera.
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Takahashi Tezuka’s Sol Oriens was a neck behind in second under Takeshi Yokoyama, while Hearts Concerto was a nose back in third for trainer Ryo Takei and Kohei Matsuyama. A further nose back in fourth was Bellagio Opera for Hiroyuki Uemura and Kazuo Yokoyama.
Winning rider Lane said: “Thank you. It was a very special victory. I feel great to win, and I am grateful to Hori's stable and Carrot Farm (owners) for their constant support. I'm happy.
“His strong point is that after a fast start, he took a position and immediately relaxed with good balance and was able to race in good rhythm. The position was the main reason for this victory, and thanks to him, it went well.”
Winning trainer Hori added: “When this horse first came to the stables, I thought he was very good, but I never imagined he would win the Derby. In that sense, he gained experience and stepped up step by step, which led to this result by himself. I trusted the jockey for the race.”
