Horse racing: Jockey Yutaka Take steers Do Deuce to Arima Kinen triumph

FUNABASHI, Chiba (Kyodo) — Jockey Yutaka Take extended his record for career G1 victories to 81 on Sunday aboard second favorite Do Deuce at the 68th running of the Arima Kinen.

The victory on turf over 2,500 meters at Nakayama Racecourse in 2 minutes, 30.9 seconds was the 4-year-old colt’s third Grade 1 victory and Take’s fourth in the Arima Kinen.

Do Deuce accelerated out of the pack coming out of the final turn just a neck back of Stars on Earth, on the rail, before passing the 4-year-old filly and overtaking the leader, 5-year-old Titleholder over the final 100 meters.

“I’ve been blessed with wonderful horses in the past, and I really am happy I could take on the Arima Kinen today with this famous horse in Do Deuce,” Take said.

Stars on Earth finished a half-length back in second, while Titleholder, finished his final race third, a length further back. Top favorite Justin Palace was fourth.

“I sensed his condition was really good and was intent on showing off his strength, keeping it slow during the first half before betting on his strong finish,” Take said after placing Do Deuce at the back of the pack until midway through the race.

“He was a little too excited over the course of the race, but I somehow managed to keep him patient. I decided to race to his strength as much as possible with around 700 meters left. There was a good vibe about him in the fourth turn that made me think it would work out okay.”