 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |  |
Junko faced a tough five-length defeat in his preparatory race ahead of a showdown with Auguste Rodin and the talented Japanese filly Liberty Island in the Dubai Sheema Classic. However, the outcome at Chantilly on Friday only scratches the surface of the story.
Firstly, the previous season's Hong Kong Vase victor was giving away 7lb to a rival in top form over an unsuitable distance on the Chantilly Polytrack. Moreover, his conqueror, Dolayli, could be destined for greater achievements if he fulfills the aspirations of trainer Francis Graffard.
A son of Siyouni and Sheema Classic winner Dolniya, the 5YO gelding was making only his eighth start but displayed dominance by leading from the front and sprinting clear on the tight inner course's short straight.
"He really stretched well up the home straight and he's a horse with a lot of quality," said Graffard of the Aga Khan's homebred. "I didn't want to run him in really deep ground at Saint-Cloud next week so we came here rather than give him an extra gallop at home, with the idea of going to the Prix d'Harcourt at Longchamp. From there he could go to the Ganay and I think he has enough pace to run in the Prix d'Ipsahan as well."
Bookmakers maintained Junko's odds at between 8-1 and 10-1 for the Sheema Classic, suggesting little change in his perceived chances. Andre Fabre appears to have identified areas for improvement as he prepares for the upcoming assignment.
"Junko had a busy end to last year and today wasn't the aim, while the winner is certainly a good horse," said Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager to owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer. "He took a little while to hit his stride but he really moved well in the last 200 metres. He's become a real mile and a half horse now and it'll be interesting to see him back at that trip, against some really top opposition."
The owner-trainer duo experienced a runner-up finish in the Prix Bering with Sober, who remains on track for Dubai, where he is slated to compete in the Gold Cup.