Stinger Glass and the legacy of Life for Sale: Argentine blood conquering Japan
- Turf Diario
- hace 13 horas
- 3 Min. de lectura
The son of Kizuna and the notable mare of Stud Rubio B. shone last Saturday in Tokyo, winning the Diamond Stakes (G3)
TOKYO, Japan (Special for Turf Diario).- Argentine genetics once again raised its hand in the international elite. This time it was in Japan, where Stinger Glass, the betting favorite and under the masterful guidance of Christophe Lemaire, conquered the Diamond Stakes (G3-3400 m, turf) and achieved the first graded victory of his campaign. But behind that convincing performance is a story that excites this side of the world, as he is a son of Life for Sale, the dominator of her generation's selective process in La Plata with the Rubio B. silks.
At 5 years old, and now under the preparation of Yasuo Tomomichi at the Ritto Training Center, the son of Kizunashowed that he is ready for greater challenges. The race unfolded with a moderate pace set by Faust Rasen (Mozu Ascot), who, reappearing with a blinker, set the tempo in contained fractions. Several rivals appeared somewhat keen in that tactical development, but Stinger Glass, true to his style, stayed at the back of the pack, waiting for his moment.
He is not a specialist at the start, and Lemaire knows it. That is why there was no rush. The Frenchman let him settle in, without forcing him, while the field completed the first circuit. It was only on the backstretch that he began to advance wide, with an expansive and sustained stride. By the third turn, he was already second, galloping with determination and evident reserve.
Upon entering the final straight, the move was decisive. Lemaire launched him early and the bay responded with a lethal change of pace. He took the lead with authority and, although Feiern Kranz (Duramente) tried to challenge him in the final meters, he held the advantage firmly. Brave Rocker (Duramente) completed the podium, while Hohelied(Rulership) finished fifth, performing less than expected.
The victory has a special weight due to his origin. Life for Sale was not just another mare. Of enormous racing quality and later becoming a valuable piece as a broodmare in Japan, she knew how to transmit character, resistance, and class. Stinger Glass seems to have inherited those virtues: he has stamina, knows how to dose his energy and, above all, fights in the straight with his heart in his mouth.
The horse is the third offspring of the Argentine mare to win in the most important field, as he is a brother to Danon Fantasy (Deep Impact), the Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of her generation, and Hornero (Satono Diamond), also a winner at the highest level.
“As always, he is not the best starter and we stayed behind. The pace was slow and at the beginning he wasn't totally relaxed, but when the race became more intense he responded very well,” explained Lemaire, who achieved his third consecutive graded victory in three weeks.
The objective now is massive: the Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1), on May 3rd in Kyoto, over 3200 meters. “He has a lot of stamina and a big heart. The 3200 meters should be perfect for him,” the jockey added.
From the womb of the wonderful Life for Sale to the great Japanese distances, Stinger Glass begins to write his own story. And while he does, he confirms that Argentine blood, when it finds the stage, needs no introduction: it speaks on the track.
