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from JRA:
Challenges abroad by Japanese-trained horses resulted in one or more G1 titles every year from 2011 to 2017, but expectations are high for renewed success this spring when a number of top Japanese runners will seek success against international competitors.
The focus is centered on Almond Eye (JPN, F4, by Lord Kanaloa), JRA’s 2018 Horse of the Year and winner of the fillies’ Triple Crown, who is slated to run in the Dubai Turf (G1, 1,800m) on March 30. Trainer Sakae Kunieda explained the reason why he chose the Dubai Turf instead of the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, 2,410m), stating that “the filly is more comfortable at 1,800 meters” and that “Japanese runners have come up with favorable results at this distance in the past three Dubai Turf races, producing two wins and a second.”
The coming Dubai Turf will be Almond Eye’s first start in four months, since she claimed the Japan Cup (G1, 2,400m) in a record 2:20.6. Her Shuka Sho (G1, 2,000m) victory last autumn came off a five-month break following a victory in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1, 2,400m), so the only concern will be whether she can handle the long overseas travel.
Her racing plan for this year after the Dubai Turf is yet to be determined but expectations are running high for a long-awaited Japanese title in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1, 2,400m) in the fall, so the outcome of her first overseas trip this spring is attracting much attention.
Good post Wit( as usual). My son was over the Japan Cup and he is adamant the Dubai Turf is the best option for her.
HKJC is simulcasting seven races from Meydan starting with the 12:50, so racecard pdf and race replays will be up here:
https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/overseas/english/20190330/S1/1/index.aspx?para=/20190330/S1/1
Looking forward to seeing this beast on Saturday. Not a fan of Meydan in particular, but this filly looks a bit of a weapon.
They’ve said that the Juddmonte or Yorkshire Oaks could be on the agenda also, exciting stuff.
wins fairly comfortably – video replay link here:
https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/overseas/English/results.aspx?para=/20190330/S1/5
JRA report:
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