Bullish Luck victorious in Yasuda Kinen

Bullish Luck hit a big triple at Tokyo on Sunday as his victory in the $1.85 million Yasuda Kinen gave him the Asian Mile Challenge title and, along with it, a $1 million bonus.

Added to the Yasuda Kinen's first-prize of $913,000, the Hong Kong invader had himself a $1,913,000 payday in the Grade 1 mile in which he swept to victory by 2-1/2 lengths over last year's winner Asakusa Den'en.

Fourth in last year's running, Bullish Luck was following up on his win in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on May 7 to give Hong Kong its first Yasuda Kinen triumph since Fairy King Prawn in 2000. Sent off as the 5.40-1 third choice, Bullish Luck covered the mile in 1:32.60 on firm ground. Back in the winners' circle, his Australian rider Brent Prebble called him "the best horse I have ever ridden."

Daiwa Major and Dance in the Mood, who still has hopes of a trip to Hollywood Park for the Cash Call Mile on July 1, were fourth and fifth repsectively, Dance in the Mood being beaten a total of 4 lengths at odds of 6.30-1.

A 7-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding by Royal Academy, Bullish Luck might return to Tokyo for next year's Yasuda Kinen.

"It's not just about winning in your own town," said his Hong Kong-based trainer Tony Cruz. "It's about winning elsewhere. That, I think, is what racing is all about."