Japan: Urban Chic steps up with Japanese St. Leger victory

Urban Chic has displayed significant improvement in Japan in recent weeks, just in time for a potential start against older horses in the final months of the year.

After winning the Grade 2 Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen at 1 3/8 miles on turf at Nakayama on Sept. 16, Urban Chic won the most prestigious race of his career in Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese St. Leger at 1 7/8 miles at Kyoto Racecourse.

The race could lead to a start in Grade 1 races worth $3.34 million against older horses for Urban Chic such as the Japan Cup at 1 1/2 miles at Tokyo on Nov. 24, or the Arima Kenin at 1 9/16 miles at Nakayama on Dec. 22.

In the $2.83 million Japanese St. Leger, a race formally known as the Kikuko Sho, Urban Chic closed from the middle of the field of 18 to reach contention with a half-mile remaining. Racing wide on the left-handed track, Urban Chic caught stretch leader Admire Tierra with a furlong remaining and won by 2 1/2 lengths under jockey Christophe Lemaire.

“The colt is never quick out of the gate and the race was (1 7/8 miles), so I let him take his time to find a good rhythm,” Lemaire told Japan Racing Association publicity.

“He was able to have a breather during the race and we were able to advance nicely to good position near the end. Once he got into gear, I knew his ability and was confident that we could make it to the wire first.

“He has matured well and has increased his power towards this fall season,” Lemaire continued. “His potentials are high and well up to (Grade 1) standards in the future.”

The second choice, Urban Chic ($7.50) won for the fourth time in seven starts.

Redentor, who won four of his preceding five starts before the Japanese St. Leger, finished second at 5-1, a nose in front of 18-1 Admire Terra. Danon Decile, the 5-2 favorite, finished sixth. Danon Decile was the upset winner of the Grade 1 Japanese Derby at Tokyo Racecourse in May.

Urban Chic, by Suave Richard, races for Silk Racing Co. Ltd., and trainer Ryo Takei.

The Japanese St. Leger was the third and final division of the Japanese Triple Crown, He started in all three races. Urban Chic was fourth in the Japanese 2000 Guineas at 1 1/4 miles in April, and 11th in the Japanese Derby.

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