Chrono Genesis Repeats in Takarazuka Kinen

Chrono Genesis  landed her fourth group 1 victory June 26 at Hanshin Racecourse, winning the Takarazuka Kinen (G1) for the second straight year and emerging as the new hope to end decades of Japanese frustration in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Chrono Genesis , a 5-year-old daughter of Bago , made short work of the Takarazuka Kinen. Racing well in hand for jockey Christophe Lemaire, she was perfectly positioned behind early leader Unicorn Lion and previously undefeated 4-year-old filly Lei Papale with 200 meters to run.

Unicorn Lion and Le Papale continued their spirited competition but only after Chrono Genesis had blitzed past them to win by 2 1/2 lengths, finishing the 2,200 meters (about 1 3/8 miles) over good to firm turf in 2:10.90. Unicorn Lion won the battle for second by a neck.

"The mare was in very good condition and looked great at the paddock," said Lemaire, subbing for the injured Yuichi Kitamura. "We were able to race in good position behind Lei Papale. She stretched really well and was able to run the last 200 meters easily."

Chrono Genesis entered rarefied air with the win.

Along with her Takarazuka Kinen and Arima Kinen (G1) titles last year, she became the fifth horse and first mare to win three Grand Prix races—events in which Japanese fans vote which horses they want to see in the field. Her career earnings passed the billion-yen mark, the fifth female to achieve that total after Vodka, Buena Vista, Gentildonna, and Almond Eye. ¥1,000,000,000 equates to just more than US$9 million.

Those totals would be more impressive yet had she not lost a narrow decision to Mishriff  in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan Racecourse in her lone start this year prior to the Takarazuka Kinen.

Overall, Chrono Genesis has won 8 of her 15 lifetime starts for owner Sunday Racing and trainer Takashi Saito. She was bred by Northern Farm.

The race is a "Win and You're In" event for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Nov. 6 at Del Mar and for the W.S. Cox Plate (G1) Oct. 23 at Moonee Valley in Australia. But Lemaire instead was eyeing the softer going Chrono Genesis might encounter in the Arc at Longchamp in Paris Oct. 3—a race that has been a source of frustration for Japanese connections for decades.

"She can race really well on a soft track," he said, "so I think she will perform well especially in France."