 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. | |
Chukyo Racecourse – Track Analysis (Takamatsunomiya Kinen):
Chukyo Racecourse is an anti-clockwise track. The outer turf track is 1705.9m long, with a 412.5m homestretch. A 150m chute joins at oval track at the top of the backstretch. The width of track is 25m to 30m wide according to the course selection of the day. The inner dirt track is 1530m long, with a 410.7m homestretch.
The turf track is used for the 1200m G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen. Starting gate is set at the early part of the backstretch, and there is a 350m long straight from the starting gate to the entrance of a far turn. With regard to drawing, statistics show that high numbers are preferable and barrier 1 is an unlucky draw. Even LORD KANALOA, winner of Hong Kong Sprint, failed to win this race in 2012, when he started from barrier 1 and finished third.
Beginning 100m is slight upslope, and then, downslope continues, all way through far turn, which is gentle, until 80m after the top of homestretch, begins at 320m out. And final 200m is slight upslope. It is recognized as a very fair track, where true ability of runners reflects on the result straightforwardly. While home straight is long enough for closers, speedy front runners are able to make all.
Last year’s Takamatsunomiya Kinen was held on soft ground as rain storm stayed until weekend at the area of Chukyo Racecourse. With the 18 runners field, the 7YO FIRST FORCE was settled at 7th position and responded well when Taisei Danno in the irons started to drive him at middle of far turn and hit the front at around 200m out on homestretch. Although NAMURA CLAIR, who was settled at ninth position, delivered strong challenge on stand side of homestretch, FIRST FORCE was unstoppable and gamely fought off NAMURA CLAIR by a length.
Occasional rain is forecasted through the week at the area of Chukyo Racecourse. But it is expected the ground is good and should have a proper cushion on this year’s Takamatsunomiya Kinen. Please be advised to pay attention on weather update.
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