Meisho Tabura earns Breeders' Cup berth in Takarazuka Kinen
?q=100)
Meisho Tabura, dismissed at 13-1 in American pools, led throughout Sunday’s Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan to win for the first time in his career at the highest level in his fourth attempt.
With the win, Meisho Tabura earned berths to world-class stakes in Australia and California later this year.
Meisho Tabura, ridden by Yutaka Take, led by a length through the first six furlongs and was challenged by the outsider June Take and 5-2 Bellagio Opera on the turn and in early stretch.
June Take faded from contention while Meisho Tabura pulled clear. Bellagio Opera posed no threat in the final furlong and was beaten three lengths. Bellagio Opera held off a late run from 27-1 Justin Palace, who finished third in the field of 17.
Meisho Tabura paid $28 in American pools of the Takarazuka Kinen, which had a purse of $3.99 million.
“My plan was to take the lead, and although I was unsure about the pace, I think we were able to race at just the right pace,” Take told Japan Racing Association publicity.
“I knew the other horses were going to make bid early, but my mount had good momentum going around the [turn] and I was hoping that he would manage to push through.”
With the win, Meisho Tabura earned berths to the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 25, and the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
Meisho Tabura, a 4-year-old colt by Gold Ship, races for owner Yoshio Matsumoto and trainer Mamoru Ishibashi. A winner of 5 of 11 starts, Meisho Tabura ended a three-race losing streak on Sunday since the Grade 2 Shumbun Hai at 1 3/8 miles at Chukyo last September.
Meisho Tabura was fifth of 11 by 2 3/4 lengths in the Group 1 Dubai Turf at 1 1/8 miles at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on April 5.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.