TAKE HIGH FIVE

Helen Edwards was in Tokyo to see Do Deuce and Yutaka Take nick thriller

- Helen Edwards

Do Deuce swept past the star-packed field in the home straight to win the Japan Cup by a neck on November 24 at Tokyo Racecourse.

In doing so, the 5yo son of Heart’s Cry thrilled the sell-out crowd and gave his veteran jockey, Yutaka Take, his record fifth Japan Cup victory. Do Deuce raced at the back of the field until Take unleashed his mount’s breathtaking finishing speed turning wide into the home straight. He claimed the lead from early leaders Shin Emperor and Durezza, who dead-heated for second place in a close-fought finish. Three year old filly Cervinia, winner of the 2024 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), started as second favourite and finished fourth under Japan-based jockey Christophe Lemaire to complete another clean sweep of the places for Japanese horses. In the deepening dusk, the crowd showed their deep affection for 55 year-old star jockey Take, chanting his name as he brought Do Deuce in front of the stands for a victory run.