BRINGING ASIAN RACING TO THE WORLD
Grand Bernadette emerged as a possible G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) contender at Hanshin, while a son of King Kamehameha benefited from a gear change at Nakayama.
Grand Bernadette could be handed the daunting task of trying to stop superstar Oka Sho winner Liberty Island in the G1 Yushun Himba on May 21, after the daughter of Kizuna continued to show good staying potential with a strong win in the Listed Wasurenagusa Sho at Hanshin.
Out of the classy American mare Lovely Bernadette, an eight-time winner and three-time Group winner, including of the G2 Mrs Revere Stakes, Sunday’s victory marked Grand Bernadette’s second over 2000 metres in just a four-start career.
Jumping well to race handily throughout, Grand Bernadette and jockey Kohei Matsuyama stalked the leader before peeling out to challenge approaching the home turn, gaining the upper hand late to prevail by a length.
“She jumped well and displayed good racing rhythm,” said Matsuyama, who also took note of the filly’s stamina.
“Her turn of foot can be sustained over a long distance; she will be shining from now on.”
The addition of blinkers seemed to do the trick for King’s Palace on Sunday as the Masami Matsuoka-trained four-year-old strolled to a four-length win at Nakyama.
King’s Palace had previously caught the eye flashing home for second from a rearward position over 2400 metres at Tokyo, and dropped to 2000 metres for his latest assignment.
King's Palace加眼罩即大變身（圖片來源：@y_chan_a via Twitter）
Settling towards the rear of the field, the 1.5 favourite commenced a wide run to loop his rivals as he registered 35.0s for the final 600 metres.
Jockey Kazuo Yokoyama credited the addition of blinkers to the horse’s usual nose-roll with helping the son of King Kamehameha switch on and finish off powerfully in the home straight.
“He is focused on the race now,” said Yokoyama.
“I think he is improved, and the problem is solved. I am happy that he grew up.”
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