Japan: Equinox's incredible rally catches Panthalassa in Tenno Sho

Equinox has grown up nicely in Japan in recent months.

After finishing second in two Grade 1 races in the spring – the Japanese 2000 Guineas and the Japanese Derby – Equinox won his debut against older horses in a bizarre running of Sunday’s Grade 1 autumn Tenno Sho at Tokyo Racecourse.

Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, Equinox ($5.20) closed from 10th in a field of 15 to win by a length over 21-1 Panthalassa, who led by as many as 15 lengths after the first mile in the $2.6 million race at 1 1/4 miles.

Panthalassa appeared to be clear of his rivals with a furlong remaining, but was caught in the final strides.

“I’m happy that we were able to catch Panthalassa,” Lemaire told Japan Racing Association publicity.

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“When I saw him way in front of us after turning into the straight, the huge gap did worry me a bit, but my colt gave his best and displayed an incredible turn of foot.

“This was his first Grade 1 win, but definitely not his last.”

Danon Beluga finished third, beaten 1 ¼ lengths.

Shahryar, who won the 2021 Japanese Derby and the Group 1 Sheema Classic in Dubai in March of this year, finished fifth, beaten 3 3/4 lengths. The autumn running of the Tenno Sho was Shahryar’s first start since a fourth in the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot in England in June.

Equinox, by Kitasan Black, has won 3 of 5 starts for owner Silk Racing Co., Ltd., and trainer Tetsuya Kimura. Equinox was a two-time winner in 2021, including a Grade 2 race at 1 1/8 miles last November.

Equinox is likely to start in the Grade 1 Japan Cup at 1 1/2 miles at Tokyo on Nov. 27, or the Grade 1 Arima Kinen at 1 9/16 miles at Nakayama on Dec. 25 later this year.

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