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| Staff Writer |
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As the days draw closer to the highly anticipated Gr. 1 Dubai World Cup, the excitement continues to build, with aficionados eagerly anticipating the performance of the talented thoroughbred Dura Erede.
Under the expert guidance of trainer Manabu Ikezoe, he has embarked on a journey filled with remarkable achievements and unwavering determination, culminating in his upcoming appearance at this prestigious event.
For the 4YO colt, the Dubai World Cup signifies a pivotal moment in his burgeoning racing career. Amongst a field of formidable competitors, including Kabirkhan, Senor Buscador, Newgrange, Ushba Tesoro, and Wilson Tesoro, Dura Erede stands out as a promising contender ready to showcase his skills on the international stage. With the world's attention focused squarely on him, Dura Erede is poised tostep up in class, as he vies for a win in one of the most prestigious races in the world of horse racing.
Reflecting on Dura Erede's journey thus far, trainer Manabu Ikezoe provides valuable insights into the horse's capabilities and readiness for the challenges ahead. Despite encountering a setback in the February Stakes, where the son of Duramente finished 12th, Ikezoe remains steadfast in his belief in the horse's abilities.
"In last year's Gr.2 UAE Derby, Dula Erede finished second behind Derma Sotogake. He suffered an unexpected defeat in his previous race, the Gr.1 February Stakes, finishing 12th, but other than that, he has been running steadily on dirt. He can run well on both grass and dirt. I really respect him," Ikezoe affirms, highlighting his versatility and adaptability—a testament to the horse's exceptional talent and training.
Indeed, Dura Erede's track record speaks volumes, with notable victories such as the turf Gr.1 Hopeful Stakes in 2022 and a commendable second-place finish in last year's Gr.2 UAE Derby.
"In fact, he won the turf Gr.1 Hopeful Stakes in 2022 when he was two years old, and as I mentioned earlier, he won the UAE Derby last year. He also finished 3rd behind Lemon Pop in the Gr.1 Champions Cup. As you know Lemon Pop is last year's JRA best dirt horse, and in the Gr.1 Tokyo Dai Shoten, he finished third, just less than one length behind the winner, Ushuba Tesoro. He has shown great performance against top horses on both grass and dirt," Ikezoe elaborates, underscoring his remarkable achievements against formidable competition.
Despite the unexpected setback in the February Stakes, Ikezoe expresses confidence in Dura Erede's ability to bounce back and deliver a stellar performance in the upcoming Dubai World Cup. As they prepare for the race, Ikezoe's unwavering faith in Dura Erede's potential serves as a driving force, propelling both horse and trainer towards their shared goal of success on the grand stage of international racing.
Ikezoe's confidence in Dura Erede's abilities is further bolstered by the horse's consistent performances against top-class competitors.
“As, there are no turf races in Japan in the spring with a distance suitable for Dura Erede and we had a track record at Meydan, we opted for the World Cup night. And since I believe the 2,000m distance of the Dubai World Cup race will be suited to Dura Erede, we decided to point him at this race" explains Ikezoe, outlining the rationale behind their decision to compete in Dubai.
"He's in great condition. Although he suffered an unexpected big loss in the February Stakes, he has been able to recover in terms of condition after some time. If he shows his true potential, he won't be a slow horse, so I have high hopes for him," Ikezoe reassures, highlighting Dura Erede's resilience and determination.
Ikezoe believes that Dura Erede has what it takes to deliver a standout performance in the Dubai World Cup. As they prepare for the race, Ikezoe's unwavering faith in his potential serves as a driving force, propelling both horse and trainer towards their shared goal of success on the grand stage of international racing.
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Looking ahead to the race, Ikezoe reflects, "When he won the Hopeful Stakes, he was a dark horse of about 90/1. He may have a scene that surprises horsemen around the world again this time. He is a force to be reckoned with." As they prepare for the Dubai World Cup, Ikezoe anticipates another remarkable showing from Dura Erede, confident that he will be reckoned with on the international stage.
In addition to Dura Erede's stellar performances, Manabu Ikezoe's journey in horse racing adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. Hailing from a racing family, Ikezoe's deep-rooted passion for the sport is evident in his impressive track record, which boasts over 250 wins and includes notable victories with horses like Pradaria and Mad Cool.
With his father, Kaneo Ikezoe, as a former trainer and his brother, Kenichi Ikezoe, as a jockey, Manabu Ikezoe's racing pedigree runs deep. His journey from Northern Farm to Ireland, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Aidan O'Brien, and eventually back to Japan, where he established himself as a trainer in his own right, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence.
Dura Erede's journey to the Dubai World Cup symbolises the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, both from the horse and his trainer, Manabu Ikezoe. With the spotlight firmly on Dura Erede, the stage is set for an exhilarating display of talent, determination, and skill as he takes on the world's best in pursuit of glory on the hallowed grounds of Meydan.