3 minute read

That's the 64th Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on Sunday

The main reason to watch this is to see the world's highest ranked racehorse, Equinox, in action.  Those of us who were lucky enough to see his winning run in the Sheema in Dubai are still gasping at what we saw.  Hanshin has tight turns but he should be able to handle it with the help of jockey Christophe Lemaire.  To prepare him for the race the trainer brought him to the Ritto training centre which is much nearer than his home at Miho and from all reports the horse settled in easily and has been working well.  The poll to select the first ten runners for this race had him on top with 218,379 votes.  Of course he's odds-on so you can think quinellas and other exotics with the following or whatever takes your fancy.

Justin Palace won the Tenno Sho Spring earlier in the year and seems a likely place-getter. 7.7 in the Morning Line.

Geraldina is a mare whom we love – she is also loved by many at home as she was the third pick in the poll.  She won the G1 QEII Cup last year but hasn't featured so much this year.  She will have Yutaka Take on board for this and he should be able to get the best out of her and of course she has the female weight advantage.  11.4 the latest quote.

Deep Bond has been desperately trying to get a G1 and so unlucky.  He's been second in the Tenno Sho Spring in the last three runnings.

Dura Erade was mentioned by us in the piece where the early death of Duramente has caused a big hole in the Japanese sire ranks.  Dura Erade is from his last crop and is a 3yo which gives him a weight advantage but he's up against the big boys here so it may be a case of see how he goes rather than emptying the piggy bank.

Osaka weather looks good for Sunday – top of 30 and sunny with no rain.  The race is scheduled for 15,40 local time.