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| Staff Writer |
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Crown Pride is a horse that has carried the pride of a nation on his shoulders having now raced on three separate continents in Group company.
Now he hopes to secure the Dubai World Cup trophy, firmly ensconcing himself in the hearts of his fans forever Running second in last years Gr.1 Champions Cup in his native Japan the colt has also run in the Kentucky Derby last year and the world’s richest race, the Saudi Cup, finishing fifth. The Reach The Crown x Emmy’s Pride colt is trained by Koichi Shintani and the trainer said that he had matured considerably compared to what he was a year ago. He also said that the travel had become a lot more stress-free in the colt’s mind making the preparation easier in that regard. “He has experience in expeditions to Dubai and the United States last year. In addition, many Japanese horses, including another horse from our stable, Remake, came to Saudi Arabia this time.
“So there was no stress related to transportation.” “He's used to it and I think it's good that he doesn't feel like a childlike he used to. He has grown up a lot mentally.” His win of the Grade 2 UAE Derby last out, however, had handed him a ticket to Kentucky.
Partnered with jockey Christophe Lemaire, hopes were high for the Japan’s challenger in the Kentucky Derby. However, hopes fizzled in the final stretch to an ultimate 13th-place finish after longshot Rich Strike swooped in under jockey Sonny Leon, stunning the full-capacity stands in one of the biggest upsets in the iconic race’s history. Raced exclusively over dirt, the Reach the Crown colt had only four starts behind him and ahead was his first over 2,000 meters.
Riyadh Calling
Shintani said that on arriving in Saudi the change in track conditions really helped Crown Pride adjust. “I think Saudi Arabia's dirt track is faster than United States, but it's surprisingly deep and requires strength so I felt it was a good match for Crown Pride. “Actually, my stable rider who was riding training every morning and Kawada who was riding in the final gallop both told me ‘there is nothing wrong with the dirt here for Crown Pride’ and from what I saw. I thought so too.” On raceday the atmosphere was loud as could be expected but the trainer said Crown Pride took it all in on the day.
“He was able to walk steadily with a calm and good feeling, so I thought it was good.” For the Saudi Cup ride it was Australian hoop Damian Lane booked for the ride, his second time in the saddle of Crown Pride. Lane is a handy jockey having won over 1200 races, including 21 Group One wins. Lane has a strong partnership riding Japanese trained horses and had spent three months in Japan from April to July 2019, riding 37 winners, and another three months there between April and July 2020, riding 41 winners. His major victories on Japanese trained horses have included being on board Mer De Glace and Lys Gracieux in their respective Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate wins in 2019. Most importantly he piloted Crown Pride home last year to win the Group 2 UAE Derby during the Carnival by close to three lengths. For the Saudi Cup ride Shintani said he spoke with Lane prior but not regarding specific tactics.
“Rather than speaking about tactics I told him how I wanted him to react when the race became too fast. “Also when I checked the past Saudi Cup I felt that it was quite busy so how should we deal with it? “I also talked about it while listening to his opinion on the race.” Although Crown Pride did finish fifth the trained said that the pace of the race in the initial stages suited him until Taiba and others began to get into their work. “In the first half I felt that the flow was suitable for him. However when Taiba extended outside more than I thought. “Because of that Crown Pride ended up getting a lot more outside than I thought. Still for a moment after facing a straight line I did think "Can he win? ‘.”
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A Date With Meydan
Even though the run in the Saudi Cup did seem to take a fair bit out of Crown Pride, Shintani remains confident that a strong run in Dubai is still on the cards. “He went to Dubai immediately after the Saudi Cup, but he seemed more tired than usual. “I think because the Saudi Cup was so tough and he had to wait a long time for his flight. “I don’t think that is anything to worry about heading into the World Cup Carnival and at this point it is okay because there is a date. “First of all I will take care of him for about a week.
There is enough time for that.” Although returning to Dubai with a better result in Saudi would have been a lot more positive for Shintani and the team everything is far from negative. Having won the UAE Derby last year that result only adds confidence to the team behind Crown Pride that a repeat of results is well and truly possible. “I agree. I thought a one-turn racetrack would be a good fit for him, but from what I've seen in Saudi Cup, a race with many corners would be better. “In that sense the next Dubai World Cup seems to be the more likely option to advance with him.” As is the case with every horse and every race there are things that could be of worry to both Shintani and Crown Pride. “He can easily go at a slightly faster pace like the Kentucky Derby. Although it is because of his ability I think it would be good if he could control himself so that he could run more slowly.”
The trainers understands that retaining jockey Damian Lane for the run in Dubai would only elevate Crown Pride’s chances of leaving the UAE with the spoils for a second year in a row. Understanding that having a jockey that has been there before with the horse and understands the needs of Crown Prince on the Meydan track are all vital in Shintani’s head. “The jockey Damian Lane can ride continuously following the previous run, so he will think about it. “If that happens and he returns to ride him I believe Crown Pride can have a good fight there.”