Japanese sensation Blow The Horn clinched a coveted spot in the Cox Plate after an impressive win in the Grade 1 Takarazuka Kinen at Kyoto on Sunday.
Winning the Takarazuka Kinen grants the victor a ballot exempt invitation to the prestigious Cox Plate, should the connections choose to pursue it.
Starting from barrier 12, Blow The Horn, guided by Akira Sugawara, initially settled towards the rear as Karate took an early lead, which was later taken over by Rouge Eveil out of the home straight.
Key contender Sol Oriens, last year’s Japanese 2,000 Guineas champion, positioned himself in the middle of the pack alongside Deep Bond. Meanwhile, the 13-10 betting app favourite Do Deuce, along with Blow The Horn, was held up towards the back.
Under the training of Tatsuya Yoshioka, Blow The Horn unleashed a powerful, wide run to claim victory by two lengths, leaving Sol Oriens in second and Bellagio Opera in third.
“We won because the horse put in a tremendous effort despite the heavy track conditions,” Sugawara stated. “Even though we were further back than planned and took the widest route, the horse showed immense strength as we approached the fourth corner. I urged him on in the stretch, and he responded with an incredible turn of speed.”
Earlier this year, Blow The Horn had secured the Grade 2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai at the same track in January. He also placed twice behind T O Royal in the Grade 2 Hanshin Daishoten and the Grade 1 Tenno Sho (Spring).
Notably, Lys Gracieux won this race before capturing the 2019 Cox Plate, and champion Equinox triumphed last year. Blow The Horn now joins this elite company with his impressive Takarazuka Kinen victory, setting his sights on the Cox Plate 2024.
Online bookmaker Bet365 has installed Blow The Horn as the $7.00 third favourite in Cox Plate odds.
Blow the Horn takes the Takarazuka Kinen (G1)!
— IFHA’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) June 23, 2024
