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| Staff Writer |
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With a reputation for a powerful turn of foot and performing competitively in Group company races, having a Gr.1 Japan Cup and a Gr.2 Kyoto Daishoten to his name, Vela Azul is now being prepared for the Dubai World Cup under the watchful eye of trainer Kunihko Watanabe. Vela Azul’s gritty win in the Japan Cup by three quarters of a length over Shahryar took a lot out of did take a lot out of the 6YO son of Eishin Flash. His last start resulted in tenth-place finish in the Gr.1 Arima Kinen. Although the performance was disappointing, Watanabe was understanding of the effort made by Vela Azul.
“He was never in a bad condition but to be honest his condition in the Japan Cup was the best, so I felt that run was a little lacking compared to that. Japan Cup was a tough race so I think he was a little tired after that.” “After winning the Japan Cup, his position changed. He was under a lot of pressure during the race. “For that reason, I thought he was a little bit keen. “I think that is one of the reasons for his defeat last start but I think the most important thing was his physical condition.” The Arima Kinen is a Grade I flat horse race in Japan run over a distance of 2,500 meters.
It is one of the two "All-Star" races in Japanese horse racing. Watanabe said that following the race, he had to pay greater attention to the aftercare of Vela Azul with a keen understanding of what the race had put him through. “I sent him to a farm nearby to Ritto Training Center right after the New Year and went there several times to check on him. “The Dubai World Cup is in late March, so he should be in high spirits by then.”
Meydan Ahead
Vela Azul has since returned to the Training Center and is easing back into his work ahead of the World Cup meet. “I brought him back to the Training Center in mid-February and he is feeling good so far,” he said. Vela Azul has experience on both dirt and turf surfaces which adds confidence for the trainer ahead of his Dubai campaign. “He won the Group One on grass, but he was originally running on the dirt, so I'm not worried about that. “However, he is by no means a top horse on Japanese dirt. However, the dirt in Dubai seems to be completely different from the one in Japan, so I hope that there is an aptitude there.” Understanding the difference between the two dirt tracks makes Watanabe’s confidence soar higher.
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A Great Career
Having his first runner in 2015 with Denko Uno and his first winner coming two weeks later with Dragon Barows in Chukyo on dirt, the surface is one that Watanabe has greatest experience with. The trainer has had close to 2000 starts and four Group company winners, as his career continues. Vela Azul is his highest-rated horse, carrying a 124 rating, at the height of his career. With the horse preparing to be unleashed in Dubai, Watanabe is very enthusiastic about the possibilities at Meydan. “I have never been there. That's why I feel like I'm doing my best to collect information now. I will be leaving Japan on Monday of race week and will be in Dubai on Tuesday morning. “I am very excited now.”