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Meisho Tabaru produced a stunning gate-to-wire performance to claim the Gr.1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin, earning his first Group One victory and securing guaranteed entries into either the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at
The Gold Ship 4YO, trained by Mamoru Ishibashi, benefited from veteran jockey Yutaka Take's aggressive front-running strategy to dominate the 2,200-metre contest, recording a winning time of 2:11.1 on good ground.
Take, securing his 84th Japan Racing Association Group One victory, revealed his tactical approach proved decisive. "My plan was to take the lead and, although I was unsure about the pace, I think we were able to race at just the right pace," Take explained. "I knew the other horses were going to make their bid early, but my mount had good momentum going around the fourth corner and I was hoping that he would manage to push through."
Bellagio Opera, the heavily-supported choice carrying public expectations, could only manage second place, finishing three lengths behind the winner despite his proven Group One credentials over the Hanshin turf. Justin Palace claimed third position in a race that saw several market leaders struggle significantly.
The result proved particularly disappointing for connections of Regaleira, who finished 11th under Christophe Lemaire, and Lord del Rey, eighth with Yuga Kawada aboard. Rousham Park, runner-up in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita, encountered traffic problems when turning for home and never recovered, eventually finishing 15th.
The victory provides Meisho Tabaru with guaranteed "Win and You're In" spots for either the November Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar or the October Gr.1 W.S. Cox Plate in Australia, representing significant international opportunities following his breakthrough Group One success.
This triumph marked a career-defining moment for trainer Mamoru Ishibashi, who previously rode Meisho Samson to Tokyo Yushun success in 2006 before establishing his training operation in 2014. This represented his maiden Group One training success, justifying his pre-race confidence.
"He is running nice and straight in training and, since some time ago, his times have been fast," Ishibashi had observed before the race. "If he finds a good rhythm in this next race, I wonder just what kind of result he's capable of getting."
The Takarazuka Kinen represents one of two JRA fixtures where racing fans vote for their preferred runners, yet their selections proved wildly inaccurate. While Bellagio Opera topped the public ballot, followed by Regaleira and Justin Palace, the eventual winner Meisho Tabaru languished in 28th position among voter preferences.
Meisho Tabaru, bred by Mishima Bokujo and owned by Yoshio Matsumoto, represents the French Deputy mare Meisho Tsubakuro. His sire Gold Ship previously claimed the Takarazuka Kinen in both 2013 and 2014 among six Group One victories, suggesting hereditary affinity for this particular contest.
The performance represents significant improvement following a fifth-place finish in the Gr.1 Dubai Turf , demonstrating the gelding's progression at the highest level.