 Expert - Naohiro Goda | |
|---|---|
| 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 (Takarazuka Kinen Day):
Hanshin Racecourse, always racing clockwise, is comprised of 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.
This year, four turf races and three dirt races from the Takarazuka Kinen Day will be simulcast to Hong Kong.
For the dirt races, 1400m 3yo and up 1 win and Hananomichi Stakes, starting gate sets on turf in the chute at the entrance of the backstretch. As surface of beginning 200m is turf, tempo could be furiously fast at this course. In general, wide draw is preferable. Distance between the starting gate and the far turn is 542m. The first 400m is flat, and 800m long down slope, with 1.6m height difference, begins at the end of backstretch. Distance of the homestretch is 352.5m. Sharp rise with difference with 1.6m in height begins at 200m out. Front runners and runners who after the pace are doing better at this course, provided that they have enough stamina to overcome the sharp rise at the middle of homestretch. The 1200m Ribbon Sho route is similar to the 1400m, the only difference is that the distance from the starting gate to entrance of far turn is 342m.
For the turf races, the 1400m Maiko Tokubetsu which will be conducted at the inner turf track, the starting gate sets at top of backstretch and distance from the starting gate to the entrance of far turn is 443m. Statistics show that inside draw is preferable. Distance from the top of homestretch to goal is 356.5m. Sharp rise with 2m difference in height begins at 200m. This is the course where closers who have sharp late kick tend to perform well.
The 1800m Kinosaki Tokubetsu will be conducted at outer turf track. Starting gate is set at the top of the backstretch and distance from the starting gate to the entrance of far turn is 665m. There is no draw bias at this course. Tempo at early stage could be moderate and it tends to be picked up at the middle of far turn. Runners are required to adjust with this change of pace, and should avoid to take wide trip all way through long far turn. Distance from the top of the homestretch to goal is 473.6m. Sharp rise begins at 200m out. This is recognized as a very fair track and results reflect the true ability of runners.
The feature race G1 Takarazuka Kinen and one of the 3yo and up 1 win 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. As first 300m is slight down slope, tempo could be strong at this course. Statistics show there is few draw bias, except barrier one on the rail. In the last twenty running of Takarazuka Kinen, barrier one has never sent a winner. Sharp rise begins at 300m from the starting gate, with the difference of height is 1.8m. Tempo tends to be moderate at this point. The course is flat from near turn, all way through backstretch, until 600m out. 400m long down slope, with the difference of height is 2m, begins at 600m pole. And the runners go through the sharp rise again, which begins at 200m before the finishing line. It is recognized as a tough course, as runners go through the sharp rise on homestretch twice, and “stamina” is more important factor than “speed”. Statistic shows that runners who follows the pace run better than closers. Track record is 2:10.1.
As June is the rainy season in Japan, Takatazuka Kinen often conducted on soft ground. However, weather and track condition was good on the day of Takarazuka Kinen in 2021. CHRONO GENESIS, who tried to achieve back-to-back victory of Takarazuka Kinen, was supported as hot favourite, and LEI PAPALE, who won Osaka Hai at Hanshin, was second favourite. UNICORN LION set a moderate pace at front and LEI PAPALE tracked from second position. CHRONO GENESIS was settled at fifth position. CHRONO GENESIS with Christophe Lemaire in iron delivered the strongest challenge at homestretch and caught UNICORN LION, who kept persistent effort, at 130m out. CHRONO GENESIS drew clear to win by two and a half lengths and it was fourth G1 for the mare by BAGO. UNICORN LION finished second and LEI PAPALE was third.
Previous meeting at Hanshin concluded on 1st May and the courses rested for seven weeks. Current meeting at Hanshin started on 18th June and the day of Takarazuka Kinen is the fourth day. Turf is kept in fresh condition and it is a good ground with proper cushion.
Track condition in four out of last six running of Takarazuka Kinen was soft. As rain is forecasted before and on the raceday, please pay attention on weather updates.
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