 Expert - Naohiro Goda | |
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| Naohiro is a leading journalist and commentator in Japan with regular television shows on networks such as NHK Network and Green Channel. He is a regular contributor for newspapers, magazines and websites including Sports Nippon, Weekly Gallop, and netkeiba.com. He also operates a bloodstock business marketing firm. Naohiro is a frequent international racing traveler and a regular visitor to the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin. | |
Hanshin Racecourse – Track Analysis (Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day):
Hanshin Racecourse racing clockwise with three tracks, including the turf track in the outside, the dirt track in the middle and the steeplechase course from inside. One of the characteristics for the turf in Hanshin is that either inner bend or outer bend will be used according to the distance of the races when the horses turning for home. For the outer bend, the track is 2089m long, with a 473.6m homestretch, which is the third-longest in JRA’s tracks, after Niigata and Tokyo. The track using the inner bend is 1689m long, with a 356.5m homestretch. The dirt track is 1517.6m long, with a 352.7m long homestretch. There are two chutes that rejoin the main course at the top of both the backstretch and the homestretch.
The G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup is usually taken place at Kyoto Racecourse. However, as renovation work is carried out at Kyoto at the moment, this race has been tentatively conducted at Hanshin since last year. This year, three turf races and four dirt races from the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day will be simulcast to Hong Kong.
The feature race Queen Elizabeth II Cup and one of the 3yo and up 2 wins are over 2200m on turf, which inner bend will be used. The starting gate sets at the top of the homestretch, and there is a 525m long straight from the starting gate to the entrance of near turn. Runners will have plenty of time to find their favourable position and the statistic proves that there is no draw bias. Since the first 300m from the starting gate is downslope, tempo of the race tends to be fast from the start at this course. From the middle of the backstretch, the field will travel for 1000m long slight downslope, with the difference in height of 1.8m, then go through the sharp rise again from the last 200m. The uphill run last for 120m, with the difference in height of 1.8m. While it is recognized as “fair track” and the ability of runners reflects on the result straightforwardly, statistics show that closers could struggle to catch runners who forego early in the races. Runners are required to show sustainable speed during the final part of races.
The 2000m Kigiku Sho travels the same route as 2200m. The only difference is that the starting gate is set at 325m before the first turn. It is a tough course for 2YOs as they go through the sharp rise, which begins 200m before the finishing line, twice during the race and stamina is more important than speed.
For the dirt races, the starting gate of the 2000m 3yo and up 2 wins is set in the chute before the entrance of the homestretch of the inner bend, and the surface of initial 80m is on turf. There is a 500m long straight from the starting gate to the entrance of near turn. Statistics show there is no draw bias. Tempo could be fast at the beginning of races and slowed down at near turn. Runners who follow the pace tend to run better than closers.
The 1800m 3yo and up 1 win travel the similar route with the 2000m. However, the starting gate is set at the early part of the homestretch, and the distance to the entrance of the near turn is 303m. It is recognized that inside draw is not favourable, as they could be boxed in on the rail. While front runners tend to enjoy good results at this course, both power and stamina could be essential factors at the crucial stage of the race.
For the 1400m Doncaster Cup, starting gate is set on turf in the chute at the entrance of the backstretch, and the distance between the starting gate and the far turn is 542m. Statistics show that wide draw is better than inside draw. It is a tendency that the tempo could be furiously fast at this course.
The 1200m Muromachi Stakes route is similar to the 1400m, the only difference is that the distance from the starting gate to entrance of far turn is 342m. As it is a sprint race, the pace tends to be strong enough from the beginning for closers to challenge on the homestretch.
Last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup was conducted on a firm turf. Average pace was set by NORMCORE. LUCKY LILAC, who started from the widest draw, was settled at twelve position of 18 runners’ field. While the pace was even all way through until the top of the homestretch, LUCKY LILAC, with Christophe Lemaire on saddle, started to make move at the middle of far turn and was only a length behind NORMCORE at the top of the homestretch. After LUCKY LILAC hit the front at 275m to go, SALACIA, who was settled towards rear throughout, delivered her strong challenge, covering the final 600m for 33.7 seconds, the fastest in 18 runners. But LUCKY LILAC held off by neck at the wire and LOVES ONLY YOU, who was also in rear in the early stages, finished third, behind SALACIA. Therefore, all of first three finishers came from off the pace. NORMCORE faded on the homestretch and finished sixteenth.
While it is expected rain arrives at the area of Hanshin on Tuesday to Wednesday, dry weather is forecasted from Thursday till this weekend. Therefore, the track condition of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day is very likely to be firm or fast.
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