Ushba Tesoro snatches Dubai World Cup glory from Algiers

Ushba Tesoro snatches Dubai World Cup glory from Algiers

By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Ushba Tesoro produced a remarkable run, coming from the back of the field under Yuga Kawada, to take the DubaiWorld Cup for Japan.
The early pace in the 10-furlong showpiece, worth $12million, was strong and it set up for closers.
Bendoog looked comfortable under Christophe Soumillon with Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa, who had been drawn wide, in company early on.
Yet when they turned for home, James Doyle aboard the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers looked the likely winner and went a length clear with a furlong and a half to run.
But the imposing Ushba Tesoro (9-1), who had won five of his six starts since being switched to the dirt, ignored the kick-back as he circled the field and with a blistering turn of foot, ran down Doyle’s mount to win going away by two-and-three-quarter lengths.
After recording Japan’s second success in the race, following Victoire Pisa in 2011, winning trainer Noboru Takagi said: “I thought he would be in with a chance at the 100-metre mark.
“Yuga is one of the best riders in Japan, so it was a no-brainer to go with him today.
“It is an amazing feeling to have won a race like this. We will talk to the owners and decide on his future going forward.
“After his last race the Dubai World Cup was always in our sights.”
Kawada, having his first ride aboard the six-year-old son of Orfevre, said: “I am so very happy.
“It is an honour to be here. He won and I am so happy. I am so proud of him.
“He’d trained very well and it was a matter of how he adapted.
“I’m very proud of my horse and myself for winning the greatest race in the world.”
Last year’s winner Country Grammer never looked like giving Frankie Dettori another famous victory in his last season, on what was the final Dubai ride of his career.
“I think it was just a bridge too far,” said Dettori. “He had a hard race in Saudi and left it there.
“When I pulled him out there wasn’t the usual spark, but what a horse he’s been to me.
“At least I got one on the night and can go and have a nice cold beer now.”

Japan dominate as Derma Sotogake strikes in in UAE Derby

Derma Sotogake dominated the UAE Derby – and booked his Kentucky Derby ticket – as Japanese raiders annexed the Group Two contest, providing the first four home.
Christophe Lemaire had the rail draw in the extended nine-furlong dirt contest and there was no hanging about on the Hidetaka Otonashi-trained son of American sire Mind Your Biscuits.
The lightly-raced colt had three dirt wins between a mile and nine furlongs in his home country, including taking a Group One at Kawasaki in November.
A staying-on third in the Saudi Derby, Lemaire put his stamina to good use in a race that very few got into.
Derma Sotogake (4-1) travelled very sweetly on the front end, followed by Dura Erede, with Continuar tracking the first two and it remained that way throughout, as the Aidan O’Brien-trained Cairo failed to live with them when they kicked off the back stretch.
The winner left little doubt and Lemaire had barely moved a muscle with two furlongs to run, and his mount strode impressively clear for a five-and-a-half-length success.
Lemaire, who plies his trade in Japan, said the win was as comfortable as it looked.
“I had a nice cruise, and in the straight he reacted well,” he said.
“I didn’t know where the other horses were, but when I turned round we were clear and I was able to enjoy the crowd.
“I was happy with his condition and thought two corners would suit him, but it was important that from the inside I got a good start.
“I think the Japanese horses (three-year-olds) are really good. It means something when you win a Derby by such a big margin.”
Otonashi said: “It went as we hoped, but I didn’t think he was that strong. It was a different jockey, different ground and a first time here.
“He will go straight to Kentucky now, and Christophe will probably ride him.”
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