Five-year-old Satono Crown claimed this year's Takarazuka Kinen to capture his second G1 title, his first in Japan. Debuting as a two-year-old, the son of Marju won his first three starts but fell short of expectations thereafter, finishing sixth in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), third in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) and 17th in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). His sixth-place finish in last year's Takarazuka Kinen was his best performance in all his G1 starts as a four-year-old until claiming his first G1 title in the Hong Kong Vase last December. He then won his first start of this season, marking back-to-back wins in the G2 Kyoto Kinen, and was sixth in his previous start, the G1 Osaka Hai where he was posted third favorite. He is the 18th horse to capture both JRA and overseas G1 titles—third for trainer Noriyuki Hori following Real Impact and Maurice. This marked trainer Hori's 11th JRA-G1 win following last year's Tenno Sho (Autumn) with Maurice and jockey Mirco Demuro's 20th following this year's February Stakes with Gold Dream.
Breaking smoothly from the outermost draw of the track that was somewhat soft due to the rain that stopped before the race, third favorite Satono Crown traveled wide in midfield, around eighth from the front, while eyeing Kitasan Black racing before him. Rounding the last two corners right behind the race favorite, the son of Marju accelerated powerfully at the homestretch, easily overtaking the frontrunners, and dueled strongly with Gold Actor that surged out from the inside route but further accelerated before the wire to pull away for his second G1 win.
“We were able to race well while eyeing the strong Kitasan Black. He felt really good turning the fourth corner and exerted a remarkable kick in the straight. He's really a G1 horse. I think this type of ground suits him. I always had confidence in him,” commented Mirco Demuro.
Fifth favorite Gold Actor raced two wide around 6-7th from the front, found space between two horses racing near the rails after entering the homestretch and unleashed an impressive late drive in the last 200 meters but was 3/4 length short in second.
Fourth pick Mikki Queen, the only mare in the field, settled third from the rear and, though briefly caught between horses at the top of the stretch, produced a remarkable speed in the stretch in pursuit of the top two finishers to seize third place.
Overwhelming race favorite Kitasan Black raced in good striking position but failed to respond in the stretch to finish a disappointing ninth. “It didn't rain much so it didn't have much influence on the ground. He was in good form and there was no disadvantage either. He just didn't respond as he usually does. To be honest, I really don't know why,” commented Yutaka Take.
Other Horses:
4th: (6) Sciacchetra―chased leader in 2nd, led at early stretch, overtaken by winner at 200m marker, weakened
5th: (7) Rainbow Line―traveled in 9-10th, advanced after 3rd corner while turning wide, unable to reach contention
6th: (1) Mikki Rocket―raced in 4-5th, showed brief effort at stretch, never threatened top finishers
7th: (3) Spirits Minoru―hugged rails around 7th, made headway after 3rd corner, failed to respond at stretch
8th: (5) Cheval Grand―set moderate pace, outrun by rivals rounding final corner, nothing left at stretch
10th: (4) Clarity City―stalked leaders along rails in 3rd to 5th, sustained bid until 200m marker
11th: (9) Hit the Target―ran in rear throughout, no factor
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