Voters are left with the daunting task of choosing Japan’s top sprinter of 2022 after the second of two class 1 events on the calendar created a disappointment. Monday on October 2 at Nakayama Racecourse.
Gendarmealways featured in the Sprinters Stakes, taking the lead in the 200 metres, holding the advantage as he climbed towards the finish line, and won by just over 20-1.
Victory Marvela similar long shot, was missed with his late bid, and Naran Huleg, a major winner of the year’s first top-level sprint, Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1), was 3/4 of the length back in third place. Favourite, Meikei Yellseemed to have every chance to convert to a goal but faded away as they finished 14/16.
🏆THE SPRINTERS STAKES (G1)
1200 m, 328,800,000 yen, for 3 years or more
NakayamaGENDARME (USA)
(7H Kitten’s Joy – Believe, by Sunday Silence)
J: Kiwamu Ogino
T: Yasutoshi Ikee
O: Koji Maeda
B: North Hills Co., Ltd
🥈 Win Marvel (I’ll Get Another)
Naran Huleg pic.twitter.com/unsuyp2iUw– (@ WorldRacing1) October 2, 2022
“We had a good pass and were able to race smoothly when he handled the break smoothly, which was a challenge for him,” said winning driver Kiwamu Ogino. “The horse reacted well in the race and I think he was able to show his strength. I knew the horses were closing behind us, but I was just focused on letting the horse do its best. .”
Despite the victory, The joy of kittens colt could be a tough pick for the year-end title. Get out Silent Sunday mare Believe , the 7-year-old scored his first win in grade 1 and only his seventh win at any level since 29 starts. His only previous stint in a 1st grade event was back in 2017 when he placed second in the Group of Hope (G1) for 2-year-olds.
He finished 11th in the 2021 Sprinters Stakes and 17th in his most recent start, also at 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs). August 21 at Kokura race track.
Naran Huleg will likely receive strong support for this title. He didn’t rush early in the Sprinters Stakes, switching to the outside of the stretch when running short, and scoring the fastest time across the stretch while running off the course.
The image rotates a bit as the two finish first from Sprinters Staking in 2021, Knight of Pixie and Resistencia sidelined with injuries.
Despite his record, coach Yasutoshi Ikee correctly predicted in the hurdles draw that Gendarme could perform well with a good start.
“His training time is good and he looks very sharp,” said Ikee. “He’s always better when there’s a race. This year there’s more time between races and he’s pretty good for a 7-year-old.
“A good start will be key, and the driver knows what to do with him,” Ikee said.
Ogino added, “I’m really happy that I was able to win my first 1st grade title and I’m grateful to Gendarme.”
Gendarme was bred in Kentucky by the North Hills. Never put up for public auction, he raced for owner Koji Maeda. His dam completed a Level 1 sprint double in 2003 — her only top level win in 27 career starts.
Sprinters Stakes was one of the first Japanese races open to foreigners and has attracted a number of notable visitors, including the legendary Hong Kong Silent witness2005 and Australia’s winner Takeover target 2006 winner
