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Lemaire's Perfect Timing Secures Kentucky Derby Spot
Admire Daytona produced a dramatic last-stride victory to claim the Gr.2 UAE Derby at Meydan, securing a coveted spot in the Kentucky Derby. The Japanese raider, trained by Yukihiro Kato and ridden with perfect timing by Christophe Lemaire, lunged late to deny the Jamie Osborne-trained Heart Of Honor by the slimmest of margins in the US$1,000,000 contest.
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Osborne's Charge Falls Agonisingly Short
Having tracked the leaders throughout, Heart Of Honor, with trainer's daughter Saffie Osborne aboard, looked to have sealed victory when striking for home turning into the straight. The 3YO showed tremendous courage to fend off multiple challenges, but was caught in the final stride by the fast-finishing Japanese challenger.
This narrow defeat will be particularly bitter for Jamie Osborne, whose Dubai World Cup weekend aspirations were highlighted by his four-strong squad on Super Saturday. The Lambourn trainer had earmarked this UAE Derby as a prime target, with connections now left to ponder whether Kentucky remains on the agenda despite the runner-up finish.
Japanese Domination Continues
Japan's strong recent record in Dubai continued as they bookended the placings, with Don In The Mood, trained by Teiichi Konno and ridden by Ryusei Sakai, claiming third. The result further cements Japan's growing influence on the international racing stage, with Admire Daytona now following in the footsteps of Forever Young, who finished third in last year's Kentucky Derby after competing at Meydan.
The winner, who had previously finished fourth in the Hyacinth Stakes before claiming a stakes victory in Japan, displayed a potent turn of foot in the closing stages. Despite covering significant ground from an unfavourable position, Lemaire's mount found an extra gear when it mattered most, confirming the high regard in which Japanese raiders are held in these international contests.
With this victory securing 100 qualifying points, connections confirmed Admire Daytona will now set his sights on Churchill Downs, aiming to become the first UAE Derby winner to claim Kentucky Derby glory. The 7,000-mile journey awaits, with this performance suggesting he possesses both the class and determination required to make an impact on American soil.