Japan: Chrono Genesis notches second straight Takarazuka Kinen
Chrono Genesis won the Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen for the second consecutive year at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan on Sunday without facing a threat in the final sixteenth.
Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, Chrono Genesis (who paid $4 in American pools) stalked 2-1 pacesetter Lei Papale for the first mile before taking the lead with less than a furlong remaining. Chrono Genesis was quickly in front after a few reminders from Lemaire, and was hand-ridden in the final strides.
A 5-year-old mare, Chrono Genesis finished 2 1/2 lengths clear of 30-1 Unicorn Lion in the race at 1 3/8 miles on turf. Lei Papale held third in the field of 13 for the 4-year-old filly’s first loss in her seventh start.
Lemaire, the leading rider at Japan Racing Association tracks, gained the mount after Yuichi Kitamura was sidelined by a recent injury.
“The mare was in very good condition and looked great in the paddock,” Lemaire told JRA publicity. “We were able to race in good position behind Lei Papale. She stretched really well and was able to run the last 200 meters easily.”
The $2.61 million Takarazuka Kinen was the first start of 2021 in Japan for Chrono Genesis, who was second in the Group 1 Sheema Classic in Dubai in March in her only previous start this year.
Chrono Genesis earned a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 6 with the win in the Takarazuka Kinen.
Last year, Chrono Genesis did not race for four months after her win in the Takarazuka Kinen. She returned to finish third in the Grade 1 autumn running of the Tenno Sho at Tokyo Racecourse on Nov. 1 and won the Grade 1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama Racecourse in late December.
Chrono Genesis, by Bago, races for Sunday Racing Co., Ltd., and trainer Takashi Saito, and has won 8 of 15 starts. Chrono Genesis is the first horse since Gold Ship in 2013-14 to win consecutive runnings of the Takarazuka Kinen.