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Japanese Star Continues Global Dominance
In a breathtaking display of talent and tenacity, Danon Decile delivered a performance of the highest calibre to claim the US$6,000,000 Dubai Sheema Classic, cementing his status as one of the world's premier middle-distance performers.
Under a tactically astute ride from Keita Tosaki, the Japanese Derby winner tracked the leaders before unleashing a devastating turn of foot in the straight, powering clear to win by two lengths from the gallant French challenger Calandagan, trained by Francis Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona.
The Shogo Yasuda-trained 4YO has now firmly established himself on the global stage, with connections confirming the Breeders' Cup Turf as his next major target later this year.
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Classic Form Stands The Test
The win represents another triumph for Japanese breeding and training methods, with Danon Decile's Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) form being franked in spectacular fashion on the world stage.
The son of Heart's Cry settled beautifully in midfield as the field maintained a steady tempo through the early stages of the 2410m contest. Tosaki never panicked, gradually improving his position on the turn before asking his mount for maximum effort at the 400m mark.
The response was immediate and decisive, with Danon Decile quickening impressively to hit the front inside the final furlong. Despite Calandagan's determined challenge, the winner was always holding the runner-up at bay, with Durezza staying on for third under Christophe Soumillon for trainer Tomohito Ozeki.
"He is a special horse with tremendous acceleration," said Tosaki afterwards. "We had a perfect trip, and when I asked him for his effort, he responded like the champion he is. Mr Yasuda has prepared him brilliantly for this international challenge."
Redemption After Setback
The victory represents a remarkable comeback story for Danon Decile, who was dramatically scratched from last year's Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) after showing signs of lameness in his right foreleg on the eve of the race.
That disappointment was quickly forgotten when he bounced back to claim the Japanese Derby in May under veteran jockey Norihiro Yokoyama, who at 56 years became the oldest jockey to win a JRA graded race.
For owner Danox Co. Ltd., this international triumph marks another significant milestone in their racing journey, having invested heavily in breeding and acquiring top-class bloodstock.
The winning connections were understandably emotional in the aftermath, with trainer Yasuda commenting: "To win on Dubai World Cup night is a dream come true. He has shown today what we have always believed – that he belongs among the elite turf horses in the world."
Calandagan's connections were magnanimous in defeat, with Graffard noting: "We are proud of our horse. He ran his race but simply found one too good on the night."
As the Dubai World Cup meeting continues to attract the best horses from around the globe, Danon Decile's emphatic victory in the Sheema Classic serves as another reminder of Japan's growing influence on the international racing scene. With the Breeders' Cup now firmly in his sights, racing fans worldwide will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this exceptional racehorse's career.