JRA Blackbook: Good at the start, middle and end, a dirt star is born at Tokyo
Two standout dirt performers – one new, one proven – have their trainers setting their sights on bigger and better things.

Paraiba Tourmaline (R4 Tokyo, Newcomers, 1600m, dirt, October 30)
Many dirt stars take time to show their preference for the surface but Paraiba Tourmaline was born for it.
The Toru Hayashi-trained filly’s dam Private Jet is a full-sister to 2010 Preakness Stakes winner Lookin’ At Lucky and, based on that breeding and some eye-catching workouts, the market didn’t miss the debutante.
Paraiba Tourmaline started 1.8 favourite and was never in doubt under visiting jockey Cristian Demuro, jumping clean, controlling the race through the middle stages and then kicking clear to win by five lengths.
“She had the gate speed and I took the lead easily,” Demuro said. “Her response was very good in the straight and I think she has potential for the future.”
Lemon Pop (R10 Tokyo, open class, Perseus Stakes, 1400m, dirt, October 30)
Young trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka has his eyes on bigger targets for dirt star Lemon Pop after the colt’s fourth win in a row on Tokyo’s 1400m dirt circuit.