Скачать или смотреть Jockey Damian Lane guides Tastiera to a thrilling victory in the Tokyo Yushun

Tastiera Secures Second Leg of Triple Crown—Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)
Tastiera, the fourth favorite and runner-up in the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), emerged triumphant in the Tokyo Yushun, completing an impressive feat among a field of 7,708 three-year-old thoroughbreds. This victory marked a significant milestone as the first G1 win for Tastiera's sire, Satono Crown, who was also trained by Noriyuki Hori and finished third in the 2015 Tokyo Yushun. Tastiera's journey began with a maiden win in November at Tokyo over 1,800 meters. He followed it up with a fourth-place finish in the Kyodo News Hai (G3, 1,800m) and secured his first graded win in the Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen (G2, 2,000m) in March. His strong form continued as he finished second by 1-1/4 lengths in the Satsuki Sho (G1, 2,000m).

Trainer Noriyuki Hori, who previously claimed the Tokyo Yushun title in 2015 with Duramente, added another victory to his impressive record. This win also marked his 15th overall JRA-G1 victory since his last in the 2022 February Stakes with Cafe Pharoah. Jockey Damian Lane, who has been riding with a short-term license since April 15, secured his fifth JRA-G1 title, with his previous win being last year's Mile Championship with Serifos. Additionally, Lane became the first foreign-based jockey since Mirco Demuro in 2003 (with Neo Universe) to claim the Tokyo Yushun title.

During the race, Tastiera was positioned well in fifth, two-wide, while Pax Ottomanica maintained a significant lead up front. Approaching the straight, Tastiera responded impressively, steadily closing in and overtaking the frontrunner 200 meters from the finish line. He fended off challenges from Bellagio Opera, who took an inner route, as well as a fierce duel between Sol Oriens and Hearts Concerto on his outside, ultimately crossing the wire with a neck advantage.

Damian Lane expressed his elation, saying, "It's a very special, great feeling, especially for Hori Stables and Carrot Farm, with whom I've had success. Tastiera's ability to position himself well and relax, combined with his versatility, played a crucial role in today's victory. It's a tremendous sense of accomplishment."

The heavily favored Sol Oriens, who won the Satsuki Sho, had a good start and settled in sixth position, just behind the eventual winner. Hearts Concerto, initially slow and near the rear, steadily made progress in the backstretch and caught up to Sol Oriens in the straight. In a fierce battle to the finish line, Sol Oriens managed to hold off Hearts Concerto by a nose, securing second place. However, the neck victory of the winner denied Sol Oriens the possibility of a Triple Crown triumph.