Satono Crown Surges to Victory in Takarazuka Kinen

Satono Crown, the conqueror of Highland Reel in December, earned his second group 1 win and a berth in Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) with a stretch-running victory in the June 25 Takarazuka Kinen (G1) at Hanshin Racecourse.

Satono Crown, with jockey Mirco Demuro up, raced mid-pack through most of the 2,200 meters (about 11 furlongs), as the heavy favorite and reigning Japanese Horse of the Year, Kitasan Black, bided his time just behind the pace.

As the field exited the final turn, Kitasan Black abruptly faded and eventually finished ninth. Satono Crown found himself outside Gold Actor, who advanced along the rail. For a few strides, it looked to be a close finish, but Satono Crown found just enough to win by three-quarters of a length. The only female in the field, 5-year-old Mikki Queen came in third.

A 5-year-old son of Marju, Satono Crown was bred by Northern Racing. Noriyuki Hori trains the dark bay horse for owner Hajimi Satomi. He finished in 2:11.4 over turf rated good, despite light rain that stopped before the race.

Satono Crown was on the fringes in group races, but did not break through at the group 1 level until he took down the Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1) at Sha Tin in December, when he defeated multiple grade/group 1 winner Highland Reel by a half-length with a dramatic charge through the final 100 meters.

"We were able to race well while eyeing the strong Kitasan Black," Demuro said. "He felt really good turning the fourth corner and exerted a remarkable kick in the straight.

"He's really a group 1 horse. I think this type of ground suits him. I always had confidence in him."

Kitasan Black's rider, Yutaka Take, had no explanation for his disappointing performance.

"It didn't rain much, so it didn't have much influence on the ground. He just didn't respond as he usually does," Take said of last fall's Japan Cup (G1) winner. "To be honest, I really don't know why."

In addition to the winner's share of the ¥325 million (US$2.8 million) purse, Satono Crown earned a fees-paid entry into the Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 4 at Del Mar, plus a $40,000 travel allowance should the connections opt to bring the horse to the United States for the Championship race.