Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (Group 1)
THE end of season two-year-old Group 1s took place in the last two weeks and, in the colts’ division, second favourite Cavallerizzo claimed the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes to become the two-year-old champion of 2025.
The son of Saturnalia had broken his maiden on his debut in late August and was runner-up to the favourite and third placed here, Admire Quads, in his most recent Group 2 start back on November 15th.
Trainer Tatsuya Yoshioka scored just his second JRA-Group 1 win, while jockey Cristian Demuro registered his sixth Group 1 title with this win.
On yielding ground, Cavallerizzo was settled in mid-field on the outside of Ecoro Alba on the rails and behind Corteo Soleil as the field approached the final turns.
As the field fanned out at the top of the straight, Demuro guided his mount through an opening on the rails.
With only the pacesetter Diamond Knot to beat, the son of Saturnalia closed powerfully with the fastest turn of foot to overtake the leader just before the post for a three-quarter-length victory, in the colours of Silk Racing Co Ltd.
“In the last corner, I had a little bit of trouble with another horse next to me, but when I asked my horse to go inside, he had a good reaction, a good turn of foot.
“Christophe (Lemaire, on Diamond Knot) was trying to escape, but my horse was very strong in the end,” Demuro said to media after the race.
Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (Group 1)
THE second favourite Star Anise claimed this year’s Hanshin Juvenile Fillies title on December 14th in a time that equalled the race record of 1m 32.6secs over a mile.
The daughter of the US sprinter Drefong was fifth in her debut in June and broke her maiden in July over the same track and distance before finishing second in her previous start, a Grade 3 against males in late August. Trainer Tomokazu Takano also has the top miler Jantar Mantar under his care.
Star Anise, under jockey Kohei Matsuyama, broke well but was eased back to about eighth between rivals behind a brisk pace.
The Drefong filly circled wide into the straight, picked up speed along the outside, taking command passing the furlong pole and ran on strongly to fend off strong challenges from Garavogue and Taisei Vogue for a length-and-a-quarter victory.
“Although it was her first time at a mile distance, she gave me the impression that she’d be just fine after her last start over 1,400m. She responded beautifully. The three-year-old Triple Crown awaits her next season. I just hope that she will arrive there safe and sound and it would be great if I can partner her again,” commented jockey Kohei Matsuyama.