Japan: Do Deuce earns juvenile crown with win in Asahi Hai Futurity
Do Deuce claimed the title as Japan’s outstanding 2-year-old male of 2021 with a half-length win over Serifos in Sunday’s Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity at a mile at Hanshin Racecourse.
The $1.19 million Asahi Hai Futurity is rated as the championship race for the division.
Do Deuce, ridden by Yutaka Take, remained unbeaten in three starts with Sunday’s win, closing from a position in the middle of a field of 15. Do Deuce caught stretch leader Serifos with strides to spare.
“He responded well going into the straight,” Take told Japan Racing Association publicists. “He dug in remarkably all the way to the line. He’s getting stronger by every race. We can look forward to the spring classics next year.”
Do Deuce paid $17.60 in American pools. Serifos, the 2-1 second choice, finished a half-length in front of 9-1 Danon Scorpion. Geoglyph, the 8-5 favorite, finished fifth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths.
Serifos, Danon Scorpion and Geoglyph were beaten for the first time in the Asahi Hai Futurity.
Do Deuce, by Heart’s Cry, won his debut in a maiden race for unraced horses at Kokura Racecourse on Sept. 5, and then the Ivy Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Tokyo Racecourse on Oct. 23.
Owned by Kieffers Co., Ltd, and trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, Do Deuce was Take’s first win in the top race for 2-year-old males in his 22nd attempt. Take is a former leading rider in Japan.