Admire Max a victor in Japan

Admire Max came with a late run under Yutaka Take to take the world's second-richest sprint race, the Grade 1, $1.74 million Takamatsunomiya Kinen, at Chukyo Racecourse in Japan on Sunday.

A 6-year-old son of Sunday Silence trained by Mitsuru Hashida, Admire Max (10-1 as fourth choice) broke widest of all in the 18-strong field but still swept to a 2 1/2-length victory over Keeneland Swan. He covered the six furlongs on firm ground in 1:08.40. The 9-10 favorite, Precious Cafe, was a neck farther back in third.