Tenno Sho (Spring) (Group 1)

THE short-priced favourite Croix Du Nord claimed his fourth Group 1 victory of his career in this year’s Tenno Sho (Spring), adding to his win in the Osaka Hai four weeks ago.

The colt became the first Derby winner to win this two-mile race since Meisho Samson in 2007.

Croix Du Nord broke smoothly and was forwardly around sixth, three-wide throughout most of the extended trip.

Maintaining a good position in his first long-distance challenge, the Kitasan Black colt was given the go at early stretch and responded immediately to draw away, looking a clear winner before a shock came in the form of Wurttemberg, storming wide and late and passing five horses to put the outcome in doubt. The stewards ultimately determined the four-year-old Derby winner as the winner by a nose.

“I really didn’t know whether we had won or not and it was a long time waiting for the final results, but I feel relieved that we were the winner.

“The plan was to have him relaxed going downhill in the first lap but the colt got a little keen, but all in all, he proved himself to be a terrific colt with all-round capabilities and power,” commented winning rider Yuichi Kitamura.

Wurttemberg raced well off the pace at the very rear for most of the way, made headway towards the last bend and came wide into the straight.

The six-year-old, another son of Kitasan Black was quickly at the heels of the third Admire Terra and came to pass all but Croix Du Nord, but just missed out. Admire Terra raced in mid-field and the son of Rey De Oro picked up speed as soon as Croix Du Nord made his move entering the stretch and closed in impressively to chase the eventual winner to half a length at the wire, but was overtaken in the last strides by second-placed Wurttemberg.

Shin Emperor was well back over this distance and finished eighth.