TOKYO (Kyodo) — Gran Alegria made a shocking late sprint to seize the thirty seventh operating of the Mile Championship at Hanshin Racecourse on Sunday and declare her third straight Grade 1 victory.
Steered by Japan’s main jockey Christophe Lemaire, the race-favorite barreled across the pack within the closing stretch and crossed the end line in 1 minute, 32 seconds, three-quarters of a size forward of third-favorite Indy Champ.
“She made an excellent begin and bought into an excellent place, so I used to be in a position to loosen up and simply let her run,” stated Lemaire, who received the race for the primary time.
“She has explosive energy and put her good legs to make use of over the past 150 meters. She confirmed off her power on the finish.”
Fifth-pick Admire Mars completed third a neck behind Indy Champ, whereas second-favorite Salios settled for fifth.
The second leg of the Japan Autumn Worldwide collection consisted of solely home horses this yr and was held at Hanshin Racecourse whereas its common venue in Kyoto undergoes repairs.
Gran Alegria additionally prevailed on the Yasuda Kinen in June and the Sprinters Stakes earlier this month. The 4-year-old filly by Deep Influence improved to seven wins in 10 begins and earned her fourth G1 title.
The four-race Japan Autumn Worldwide collection kicked off on the identical venue final Sunday with the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, received for the second straight yr by Fortunate Lilac, additionally ridden by Lemaire.
The collection continues subsequent Sunday with the Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse, adopted by the Champions Cup on Dec. 6 at Chukyo Racecourse close to Nagoya.
