The 2nd renewal of the Victoria Mile was held over 1600m at Tokyo racecourse today, and favorites Kawakami Princess (Champion 3yo filly in 2006) and Sweep Tosho (Champion older filly or mare of 2006) could make no ground in the straight, with 4yo filly Koiuta proving too good.
Asahi Rising led the race comfortably with outsiders Blumenblatt and Kiss to Heaven following several lengths back. Koiuta settled 6th or 7th on the inside of the field, while Sweep Tosho was in the second half of the field and Kawakami Princess was even further back near the tail of the field after being slowly away.
As the field entered the straight, Asahi Rising put several lengths on the field and looked a great chance to win the race. Several horses including Sweep Tosho and 3rd favorite Admire Kiss pulled out to make their challenge but it was clear they weren't making much ground on the favorite. Koiuta and fellow outsider Daring Heart decided to head back to the inside of the leader as she had kept away from the inside rail in the straight, and this proved a brilliant move. As Asahi Rising tired in the final stages of the race, Koiuta gradually drew level and in the final stages pulled away for a tough win.
Asahi Rising fought on well to the end and held on for 2nd just ahead of Daring Heart with Kiss to Heaven also fighting on well for 4th.
Sweep Tosho died on her run in the straight, and Kawakami Princess never made an impact - finishing behind Sweep Tosho well back in the field. It was the first time that Kawakami Princess had not finished first across the line in her 7 race career.
Koiuta is by Fuji Kiseki out of the Dr Devious mare Violet Love. She is trainer by Masashi Okuhira and was ridden by young jockey Masami Matsuoka. She was bred by Shadai Farm and is owned by Maekawa Kikaku Co. Ltd.
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