2016 News

February 19, 2016

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2016 February Stakes (G1) - comments from runners' connections
Tokai TV Hai Tokai Stakes (G2)
Asukano Roman
Asukano Roman (5yo, horse)

Keisuke Dazai
“The workload was just right; he doesn’t respond well when you push him too hard. He’s in the same form he was in for the Tokai Stakes and that’s the best thing about it. He’s in very good condition at the moment and I’m looking forward to it.”
Yoshihiko Kawamura (trainer)
“He’s come around physically and everything’s gone according to plan. He’s a clever horse and an easy ride. I think he’ll be able to turn in the best performance he possibly can.”
Procyon Stakes (G3)
Best Warrior
Best Warrior (6yo, horse)

Sei Ishizaka (trainer)
“He’s been working with a partner this whole time and getting better with each workout. I’ve got no concerns whatsoever. This will be his third shot at the February Stakes but he’s shown no signs of slowing down and I want him to finally come through this time. The last two years hasn’t been what we expected. He’s right on schedule and I’m really hoping for the best.”
February Stakes (G1)
Copano Rickey
Copano Rickey (6yo, horse)

Yutaka Take
“He hasn’t been able to race at a rhythm he likes the last two times so I hope I can get the best out of him this time. I’ll do whatever I can to accomplish this great feat (of winning the same G1 race three-consecutive years). No horse has ever done it, so I feel strongly about getting it done.”
Corin Berry (5yo, mare)

Jiro Ono (trainer)
“The buildup has been just like we had planned and he’s shaped up well. He didn’t give away anything even at 1,600 meters last year. We’re leaving everything in the hands of (jockey Kohei Matsuyama) now. We pushed him last week, too. He’s gotten bigger.”
February Stakes (G1)
Grape Brandy
Grape Brandy (8yo, horse)

Takayuki Yasuda (trainer)
“He had a strong finish to the workout and has been moving well. It’s hard to believe he’s eight years old – he’s giving off that kind of vibe.”
Maruka Fleet (10yo, horse)

Akiyoshi Ninomiya (assistant trainer)
“He’s never been the type to run well in workouts, so we’re not concerned with his time. He wasn’t fit for his last start but he’s definitely improved since. As long as he saves himself, he can last a mile.”
Negishi Stakes (G3)
Moanin
Moanin (4yo, colt)

Mirco Demuro
“Never rode him yet but he seems like a pretty good horse. I’ve been wanting to ride him, so I’m thrilled at the opportunity. I’ve raced against him on other horses a few times but he’s a very strong horse. When (Christophe) Lemaire rode him (in the Shurei Stakes), he was very impressive. He’s a nice horse with power. This is a race I’ve never won so I want to win it – and I’ve got a good chance here. It’s the first Grade 1 race of the year. He’s a strong horse and I can ride with confidence.”
Sei Ishizaka (trainer)
“He’s been very encouraging as of late and he’ll go out there in good condition. This will be the first time he’s going up against truly quality horses. We’re at Grade 1 now and we’ll go for broke as challengers here.”
Monde Classe (5yo, horse)

Hidekatsu Shimizu (trainer)
“The horse in front likes to work, so he ended up on his own but he already put in his fast work on Sunday. He's the same as before, but in a good way. We'd like to see him run at his own pace without being harassed too much. There's no point in canceling one another out fighting for position."
Tokyo Chunichi Sports Hai Musashino Stakes (G3)
Nonkono Yume
Nonkono Yume (4yo, colt)

Yukihiro Kato (trainer)
"He stopped working once he learned how to race properly. He ran well today by his standards. It doesn't mean he doesn't put in the work, though. We've done everything we can to get him ready. The preparation has been far better than it was for the Musashino Stakes (in November). For him to have the best shot, it had to be the first race of the season for him. We didn't want to overdo it."
Niigata Kinen (G3)
Passion Dance
Passion Dance (8yo, horse)

Kosei Miura
"It was my first time riding him, but he responded really well and his time and action were both impressive. Judging by the way he felt, I think he should be able to handle the dirt."
Miyako Stakes (G3)
Roi Jardin
Roi Jardin (5yo, horse)

Hirofumi Toda (trainer)
"He was really sharp, the way he wrapped things up today. He looks better than he did for the Champions Cup. He's recovering much faster after races than before. He improves with each start now. He actually put on weight after his workout last week. There's no comparing him to last season. We just have to see how he can get in the flow coming off just one turn."
Elm Stakes (G3)
Roman Legend
Roman Legend (8yo, horse)

Ryota Sameshima (riding for the workout)
"The cheek piece seems to be working for him. I have a feeling he's due for a good race. He's more aggressive than he was for his last start."
Sano Ichi (5yo, horse)

Kazuyuki Ogata (trainer)
"He's full of energy even with only a week in between races. It was a good win from him last time. The competition will get tougher but he's tough, and hopefully the pacesetters will cancel each other out."
Susan Joy (4yo, colt)

Ichizo Iwamoto (trainer)
"He's not a workout horse but even considering that, I didn't think he'd be that bad. But he's in the form he's always in, so I'm still looking forward to it."
Tagano Tonnerre (6yo, gelding)

Ippo Sameshima (trainer)
"His action was good and you should see improvement from his last start, which was encouraging looking ahead to this one. The mile is a good distance for him right now."
White Fugue (4yo, filly)

Noboru Takagi (trainer)
"She breezed today, just to get a feel for where she's at because she went through her fast work a week ago. She's light on her feet and she'll be in good condition for the race. 1,600 meters on a sandy surface is right for her. If she can tough it out to the end, she should have a chance."

 

Sources: Nikkan Sports, Sankei Sports, Sports Hochi

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Breeders' Cup Challenge Race