Copano Rickey Repeats in February Stakes

Sachiaki Kobayashi's Copano Rickey, upset winner of last year's February Stakes (Jpn-I), became the first horse to capture the race in back-to-back years Feb. 22, this time as the favorite.

The $1.636 million February Stakes, a 1,600-meter (about a mile) dirt event for 4-year-olds and up at Tokyo Racecourse, attracted a field of 16.

Copano Rickey, trained by Akira Murayama and ridden by Yutaka Take, broke well from post 4 and sat about two lengths behind pacesetter Admire Royal until the turn. The 5-year-old horse by Gold Allure out of the Timber Country mare Copano Nikita accelerated in the lane, collared Admire Royal, and drew away in the final 400 meters to win by a half-length over Incantation.

Best Warrior finished third and Grape Brandy crossed the wire fourth in the February Stakes. The final time was 1:36 3/5 seconds.

Copano Rickey, bred in Japan by Yanagawa Bokujo, won for the ninth time in 16 starts. In his previous start, he won the Tokai Stakes (Jpn-II), going 1,800 meters on the dirt Jan. 25.

"I'm happy and relieved since he was the race favorite," Take said after the race. "His break wasn't that good, but we were able to take a smooth trip at a good pace. He had so much left at the top of the stretch, and was confident and eager."

Copano Rickey won last year's February Stakes at 274-1. He inherited favoritism in this year's race because Tarumae, the 2014 top dirt horse in Japan, is pointing to the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in late March.