BRINGING ASIAN RACING TO THE WORLD
Christophe Lemaire has endorsed Phantom Thief's Classic credentials following a strong Kyodo News Hai win, while Yasuo Tomomichi may have unearthed another exceptional miler in Justin Sky.
The Kyodo News Hai has proven a great guide to the Classics and this year’s winner Phantom Thief looks set to follow in some illustrious hoofprints.
Past winners of the 1800m G3 include Gold Ship, Isla Bonita, Dee Majesty and Efforia.
Jockey Christophe Lemaire said Masayuki Nishimura’s colt had the right attributes to step up to the 2000 metres of the Satsuki Sho and ultimately the mile-and-a-half of the Yokyo Yushun.
“He jumped poorly last time but he jumped well today,” Lemaire said. “That meant he was in a nice position during the race. He was relaxed during the race. His response was good and he accelerated when turning to the straight. His stamina is good and he is capable of racing in high level races.”
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi has a proven track record with elite horses and he might have found another superstar miler in the form of Justin Sky.
A day before Do Deuce returned in exceptional manner in the G2 Kyoto Kinen, his stablemate won for the third straight time at a mile, this time at Listed level.
Tomomichi also trained 2019 Hong Kong Mile winner Admire Mars, as well as Wagnerian, Cheval Grand and Makahiki.
Soon-to-be-retired jockey Yuichi Fukunaga was effusive in his praise for another son of Kitasan Black to begin showing his best at four.
“I think the pace was not fast today and he can stay in a good position,” he said. “His response was good and won very easily. I am looking forward to his future.”
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