Do Deuce regains winning form in Japanese Derby

Returning to the form that made him Japan’s champion 2-year-old male of 2021, Do Deuce won for the first time this year in Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse.

Do Deuce won the $3.28 million Japanese Derby at 1 1/2 miles in a stakes-record time of 2:21.90. The previous mark of 2:22.50 was set in 2021 by Shahryar. The course record of 2:20.6 was set by Almond Eye in the 2018 Japan Cup.

In the Japanese Derby, Do Deuce was ridden by Yutaka Take, providing the 53-year-old legend with a record sixth career win in the race.

After a tardy start, Take had Do Deuce in the back half of the field of 18 for the first half of the race, well behind pacesetter Desierto, who had a clear lead of several lengths. Do Deuce launched a rally on the outside that carried him to the front in the final furlong. Do Deuce ($11.40) held off a late run from 3-1 Equinox to win by neck.

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“Though my colt isn’t such a good starter, we were able to sit in an ideal position so the fast pace didn’t bother me,” Take told Japan Racing Association publicity. “He had so much left in the tank when I asked him for his run he responded amazingly and took the lead earlier than planned, but held on well to the wire.”

Equinox, who raced in traffic, finished two lengths clear of 22-1 Ask Victor More. Danon Beluga, the 2-1 favorite, finished fourth after also racing in traffic in early stretch.

Do Deuce, by Heart’s Cry, races for Kieffers Co., Ltd, and trainer Yasuo Tomomichi.

The Japanese Derby, formally known as the Tokyo Yushun, was the fourth win in six starts for Do Deuce. He was unbeaten in three starts in 2021, ending the campaign with a win in the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile at a mile in December.

Earlier this year, Do Deuce was second behind Ask Victor More in the Grade 2 Deep Impact Kinen at 1 1/4 miles at Nakayama Racecourse on March 6, and fourth behind Geoglyph in the Grade 1 Japanese 2000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles at Nakayama on April 17. Geoglyph finished seventh in the Japanese Derby. Pacesetter Desierto faded to finish 15th.

Take said Do Deuce could be a candidate for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris on Oct. 2, Europe’s leading race for older horses.