 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. | |
Kyoto Racecourse – Track Analysis (Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day):
Kyoto Racecourse is a clockwise oval track with three tracks for turf, dirt and steeplechase races. Similar to Hanshin Racecourse, either inner bend or outer bend will be used when the horses are turning for home. The turf track using outer bend is around 1,894m long, with around 404m homestretch. If inner bend is going to be used, the turf track is around 1,783m long with around 328m homestretch. The dirt track is around 1,608 m long with around 329m long homestretch. The course is generally level except the uphill before hitting the final turn and the downhill before entering the home stretch.
Five turf races and three dirt races from the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day will be simulcast to Hong Kong this year.
G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup & 3YO and up 1 win (Turf, 2200m)
The 2200m G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup and 3YO and up 1 win will be conducted at outer bend at Kyoto. Since the starting gate is set at early part of homestretch and distance from the starting gate to entrance of near turn is 397m, there is no specific draw bias over the distance. Overall speaking, tempo tends to be moderate or slow, however, it will usually be picked up during the downhill in the far turn. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the speed for more than 800m until finishing line. In other words, sustainable speed is more important than turn of foot.
2YO Newcomer & Kigiku Sho (Turf, 2000m)
Inner bend will be used for the 2000m 2YO Newcomer and Kigiku Sho. Starting gate is set at middle of homestretch and distance from starting gate to entrance of near turn is 309m. Statistic shows that middle number of post position is preferable. While tempo at early stage could be quick, it tends to be slowing down at backstretch at this course and sharp turn of foot is useful.
3YO and up 2 wins & Lucky Lilac Cup (Dirt, 1800m)
Inner dirt course will be used for the 1800m 3YO and up 2 wins as well as Lucky Lilac Cup. Starting gate is set at middle of homestretch. Distance from the starting gate to entrance of near turn is 286m. Tempo at beginning pf race tends to be quick. Statistic shows inside draws are disadvantage. Front runners and runners who track leaders from second and third position tend to enjoy better result at this course.
3YO and up 2 wins (Dirt, 1400m)
Inner dirt course will be used for the 1400m 3YO and up 2 wins. Starting gate is set at chute on turf course at entrance of backstretch and the surface of beginning 150m is turf. A horse jumps from the widest draw run 30m longer on turf than a horse jumps from barrier one. Statistics shows middle numbers are preferable. Runners who have strong late kick are preferable at this course.
Doncaster Cup (Turf, 1400m)
Outer turf will be used for the 1400m Doncaster Cup. Starting gate is set at backstretch and distance from starting gate to entrance of far turn is 512m. While there is a little draw bias, middle numbers are preferable. This course is recognized as “fair” and “straightforward”, where better horses could enjoy better result. And front runners, runners which track leaders, and closers have equal chance here.
Autumn meeting at Kyoto Racecourse started on October 5th and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Day is the twelfth day of meeting. The surface of turf at rail side has become slightly rough, although it is still keeping good cushion. Rain is forecasted for the week before the race day at the area of Kyoto Racecourse. However, no more rain is expected through the week until the race day, and turf surface should be maintained well. While we need to pay attention on update of weather forecast, it is likely that the going at Kyoto Racecourse on the race day is “Good”.
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