Chrono Genesis Caps Year of Female Dominance in Japan

It was the year of COVID-19, few fans in the stands and logistical challenges but, in Japanese racing, 2020 also was the year of the fillies and mares.

As Chrono Genesis flashed past the finish line first in the Arima Kinen (Grand Prix, G1) Dec. 27 at Nakayama Racecourse, the victory was the ninth of 2020 by a female in a grade 1 race open to both genders—a record. Moreover, three of the four top finishers were female.

Chrono Genesis also became just the second filly or mare after Lys Gracieux last year to sweep Japan's two grade 1 "Grand Prix" races, having taken the Takarazuka Kinen (G1) June 28.

The result was not a surprise but, in the end, not a sure thing by any means.

Chrono Genesis, a 4-year-old daughter of Bago from the Kurofune mare Chronologist, was the No. 1 pick in fan voting to run in the Arima Kinen and went to the post as the favorite. Jockey Yuichi Kitamura rode her with equal confidence.

After waiting patiently through the first half of the 2,500 meters (about 12 1/2 furlongs), Kitamura sent Chrono Genesis quickly up past most of the field to reach contention at the top of the stretch. With 100 meters to run, the decision looked to hang in the balance between Chrono Genesis and Fierement.

Chrono Genesis edged clear but then had to contend with a late surge by Salacia, finally winning by a neck over that fast-closing rival. Fierement held third with Lucky Lilac fourth. World Premiere and Curren Bouquetd'or dead-heated for fifth.

Chrono Genesis and Salacia, a 5-year-old Deep Impact mare, became the first 1-2 female finishers in the history of the race, first run in 1956.

"She was in good form and gave us a great impression before the race," trainer Takashi Saito said. "I was worried that Yuichi might have made a too-early bid, but he was confident and rode her beautifully, holding off the others."

Kitamura said Saito needn't have worried.

"All I wanted was her to be relaxed and her break wasn't that bad," the rider said. "She was in hand and ran in the same rhythm as before. Yesterday and today, I was in 2,500 meter-races here at Nakayama which enabled me to get warmed up with a good idea of how I wanted her to run."

Both said they are looking forward to new challenges in the new year, including potential showdowns with Japan's dual 2020 Triple Crown winners, Contrail and Daring Tact. Both 3-year-olds were in the fan's top 10 to contest the Arima Kinen but both gave the race a pass after finishing second and third behind Almond Eye in the Japan Cup (G1) Nov. 29.

"We haven't faced the two Triple Crown winners yet," Kitamura acknowledged. "But I hope she performs well and stays in the spotlight next season."

Saito added: "This is a dream come true and I have a feeling there will be many more."

Speaking of dreams come true, the result of the Arima Kinen must have seemed that way for the principals of both Sunday Racing and Northern Racing.

Sunday Racing's red, yellow, and black colors were carried by Chrono Genesis, Fierement, and Lucky Lilac. Sunday Racing claimed its ninth Japan Racing Association grade 1 event of the year and its fifth Arima Kinen—both records.

Northern Racing bred five of the six top finishers, four of them sired by Deep Impact, including Salacia, who is raced by Silk Racing Co. Ltd.

Chrono Genesis' record now stands at seven wins, three in grade 1 events, from 13 starts. She has finished worse than third only once—a fifth-place finish in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) in November 2019. Lucky Lilac won that race.