Rodeo Drive and a last-moment strike to win the NHK Mile Cup
- Turf Diario
- hace 17 horas
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The son of Saturnalia shone on the turf at Tokyo, Japan, securing his first G1 victory by just a nose over Ask Ikigomi
TOKYO, Japan (Special for Turf Diario).— Japanese racing witnessed an electrifying finish this Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse, where the rising Rodeo Drive gave trainer Tetsuhide Tsuji the first G1 victory of his career by claiming the NHK Mile Cup. In a finish of pure courage, the son of Saturnalia managed to break the resistance of Ask Ikigomi(Lord Kanaloa) right on the wire, confirming that he is one of the most promising milers on the Asian circuit.
The victory had as its great architect the Australian jockey Damian Lane, who is serving a new short-term license in Japanese lands. Lane had to appeal to all his patience after breaking from the uncomfortable gate 17, among 18 participants. During the first half of the journey, Rodeo Drive traveled at the back of the pack, closing the march about 10 lengths behind the leaders. Upon entering the home straight, the pilot sought the outside flank, closely following the movement of Ask Ikigomi to launch his final strike.
In the final 200 meters, the race seemed to be in the hands of Admire Quads (Real Steel), who under the guidance of Ryusei Sakai dominated with apparent solvency. However, the reaction of Rodeo Drive and Ask Ikigomi on the outside was devastating. In a vibrant head-to-head during the final strides, Rodeo Drive put his head where it mattered most to settle the story by a nose. Admire Quads completed the podium 1 1/4 lengths behind the runner-up.
"I am relieved to have brought out the best in the horse," commented Damian Lane after the weigh-in. "His greatest virtue is his closing speed; today he was able to sustain a very strong finish until the finish line. He is a colt that is constantly improving and I hope to see him compete at this level for a long time."
The campaign of Rodeo Drive has been impeccable since his debut last December at Nakayama. After winning his first two outings at said venue, the maternal grandson of Snitzel had just lost his undefeated record by a neck in the New Zealand Trophy (G2) against Reservation (Danon Premium). This Sunday, in his first test at the highest level, he achieved his personal revenge by outrunning his executioner from the previous race by more than 3 lengths, who could only finish in sixth place.
The success of Rodeo Drive is no coincidence, as he comes from one of the most illustrious families in Japanese racing. He is the fifth winner produced by the mare Beverly Hills (Snitzel), who in turn is a half-sister to the multiple G1 winner and sire Company (Miracle Admire), and the stakes winner Historical (Deep Impact). Appearing in his maternal line is Brilliant Very (Northern Taste), a direct family of the remembered Tastiera (Satono Crown), hero of the Tokyo Yushun (G1) (Japanese Derby).
With this triumph, the sire Saturnalia adds a new milestone to his fledgling production, consolidating a line of speed and stamina that promises to keep people talking at the great events of the Japan Racing Association.
