Jupiter Ascendant
May 17th 2008 05:11
The Melbourne Cup this year has an increase in prizemoney of $500,000 (bringing it to a total of $5,500,000) and consolidating its place as the second richest racing prize on turf, with only the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe ($A6,275,000) remaining (both worthy and fittingly) as the pinnacle event.
Because of the handicap nature of The Melbourne Cup (linked with the tyranny of distance) we will never attract a field of the current world’s best staying horses, as does the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We have previously attracted one or two of the very best, with a prime example being the gallant Vinnie Roe (winner of a record four Irish St Leger's and fifth in the Arc) gracing our shores on three occasions, only to be dogged by misfortune or the imposing presence of the great Makybe Diva. We could not attract the Japanese champion Deep Impact who would run as favourite in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (run gallantly for third but subsequently disqualified for a drug irregularity). We did see two horses inferior to him come to Australia in 2006, Delta Blues and Pop Rock, who fought out a thrilling finish to finish first and second in the Melbourne Cup of 2006.
The Japanese staying horses are well regarded around the world. This year we are likely to see one of their best performed horses, Admire Jupiter, come to contest the Melbourne Cup. Admire Jupiter in May won the Tenno Sho (Spring) in a thrilling finish. After gaining a poor start that saw him near last from the barriers he raced midfield and much further back than he would in usual circumstances. He forged to the lead in the straight and then held off a challenge from previous Tenno Sho Champion, Meisho Samson, to win by a nose.
(photo AP)
Admire Jupiter broke his leg in his three-year-old year when expected to vie for honours in the Japan Derby, which was subsequently won by Meisho Samson. After missing 16 months racing and overcoming adversity his revenge over Meisho Samson was very sweet for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. His jockey Yasunari Iwata has tasted Melbourne Cup success already with Delta Blues and would be expected to pilot Admire Jupiter in Melbourne should he come across for the Melbourne Cup of 2008.
The time for the 3200m of 3.15.10 for the Tenno Sho was a very quick in comparison to the average time recorded in a typical Melbourne Cup (3.16.3 by Kingston Rule being the record), however it was still nearly two seconds slower than that recorded by the champion Deep Impact. Japanese records are historically quicker than those recorded here, but judging by the performances of even their second string stayers, perhaps they are also a true indication.
Admire Jupiter already has a remarkable history and is proven at the highest level in Japan. The Japanese have quickly discovered exactly what is required to win our greatest race. Admire Jupiter is definitely a horse to watch if he does come to Australia for a Melbourne Spring.
Watch the exciting last 400 metres of the Tenno Sho Spring:
Because of the handicap nature of The Melbourne Cup (linked with the tyranny of distance) we will never attract a field of the current world’s best staying horses, as does the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We have previously attracted one or two of the very best, with a prime example being the gallant Vinnie Roe (winner of a record four Irish St Leger's and fifth in the Arc) gracing our shores on three occasions, only to be dogged by misfortune or the imposing presence of the great Makybe Diva. We could not attract the Japanese champion Deep Impact who would run as favourite in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (run gallantly for third but subsequently disqualified for a drug irregularity). We did see two horses inferior to him come to Australia in 2006, Delta Blues and Pop Rock, who fought out a thrilling finish to finish first and second in the Melbourne Cup of 2006.
The Japanese staying horses are well regarded around the world. This year we are likely to see one of their best performed horses, Admire Jupiter, come to contest the Melbourne Cup. Admire Jupiter in May won the Tenno Sho (Spring) in a thrilling finish. After gaining a poor start that saw him near last from the barriers he raced midfield and much further back than he would in usual circumstances. He forged to the lead in the straight and then held off a challenge from previous Tenno Sho Champion, Meisho Samson, to win by a nose.
Admire Jupiter winning Tenno Sho
(photo AP)
Admire Jupiter broke his leg in his three-year-old year when expected to vie for honours in the Japan Derby, which was subsequently won by Meisho Samson. After missing 16 months racing and overcoming adversity his revenge over Meisho Samson was very sweet for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. His jockey Yasunari Iwata has tasted Melbourne Cup success already with Delta Blues and would be expected to pilot Admire Jupiter in Melbourne should he come across for the Melbourne Cup of 2008.
The time for the 3200m of 3.15.10 for the Tenno Sho was a very quick in comparison to the average time recorded in a typical Melbourne Cup (3.16.3 by Kingston Rule being the record), however it was still nearly two seconds slower than that recorded by the champion Deep Impact. Japanese records are historically quicker than those recorded here, but judging by the performances of even their second string stayers, perhaps they are also a true indication.
Admire Jupiter already has a remarkable history and is proven at the highest level in Japan. The Japanese have quickly discovered exactly what is required to win our greatest race. Admire Jupiter is definitely a horse to watch if he does come to Australia for a Melbourne Spring.
Watch the exciting last 400 metres of the Tenno Sho Spring:
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