Akai Ito Springs Massive Upset in QE II at Hanshin

The avid Japanese racing fans must have been worn out from their recent Breeders' Cup triumphs as they handicapped the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) Nov. 14 at Hanshin Racecourse because they certainly missed the mark at the finish.

A parade of massive long shots, led by Akai Ito at odds of nearly 65-1, left the better-fancied fillies and mares well up the turf course at the end of the 2,200 meters (about 1 3/8 miles).

Akai Ito, with Hideaki Miyuki riding, missed the break and settled well back in the 17-horse field, racing outside rivals. The 4-year-old daughter of Kizuna  found another gear entering the final bend, hit the front about 200 meters out after drifting in a bit, and held on well to win by two lengths. The final time on the good to firm going was 2:12.1.

Stellaria, a 3-year-old also by Kizuna, raced evenly behind the leaders to finish second, a neck in front of the 4-year-old Epiphaneia filly Clavel. The favorite, Lei Papale , was sixth. Second choice Akaitorino Musume finished seventh and the third-favorite in the wagering, Win Marilyn, faded badly to beat only one rival.

As she made her move near the 200-meter marker, Akai Ito crossed in front of Akaitorino Musume, who also was poised to mount a challenge, causing her to lose some momentum.

Miyuki said he maintained confidence in his long shot contender even through things didn't go entirely according to plan.

"As she seemed to be a bit tense when I trained her the other day, I tried to race her in her own rhythm," the jockey said of Akai Ito. "Though I could not break her smoothly out of the gate, I was able to eventually race her in the intended position at the backstretch.

"I was confident that she will stretch well at the end and, because it was a grade 1 race, I made my bid earlier than usual," Miyuki said. "We were able to take the front earlier than I had expected and, as there was no horse right behind us, I just kept on urging her to go."

The punters could be excused for overlooking the winner on her record. From nineteen previous starts she had only four wins and she reported seventh in her last race, the Ireland Trophy Fuchu Himba Stakes (G2). The QE II was her first start at the grade 1 level.

Nonetheless, noting the competitive makeup of the race, trainer Kazuya Nakatake predicted after the barrier draw his filly had a legitimate chance and even outlined the scenario that eventually led to victory.

"She's in good shape and is better for having had a recent race," Nakatake said. "I don't think there's so much difference between her and the other horses in this grade 1. She'll probably be held up for a run, so it'll be important for her to find a good rhythm."

The race outcome was a triumph for Kizuna, a son of the late Deep Impact (JPN), as Akai Ito became the first colt or filly by that sire to capture a grade 1 title in Japan. Kizuna won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) and finished fourth in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) that autumn. He was Japan's champion 3-year-old colt that season.

Akai Ito, out of the Symboli Kris S  mare Wadjet (JPN), was bred by her owner, Koji Oka.