The final JRA Grade 1 race of the first half of the year is set for this Sunday (June 23) at Kyoto Racecourse. This marks a change from its usual location at Hanshin Racecourse, which is undergoing renovations. The Takarazuka Kinen, one of two 'All-Star' races where fans vote for their favorite horses, will take place at Kyoto for the first time since 2006.

The race was first held in 1960 over a distance of 1,800 meters. In 1966, it was extended to its current distance of 2,200 meters. Although traditionally run at Hanshin, the Takarazuka Kinen has been moved to Kyoto during times of renovation at Hanshin, with the last such instance occurring in 2006 when Deep Impact won.

The race is open to horses aged three and older and became an international Grade 1 event in 1997. Despite this, only two international runners have competed: Australia's Seto Stayer in 1997 and Hong Kong's Werther, who finished second in 2018. This year, there will be no foreign contenders.

The race is a Breeders' Cup Challenge series event with the winner gaining direct entry into the Longines Turf at Del Mar. 

Takarazuka Kinen (G1) - Runner Comments

Bellagio Opera (colt, 4)
Trainer: Hiroyuki Uemura
“He’s responding well in training despite the hot weather. Ideally, he prefers good ground, but he's performed on softer surfaces too. Distance isn’t a concern, but he might struggle in the heat. Facing strong competitors like Do Deuce will be a test.”

Blow the Horn (horse, 5)
Trainer: Tatsuya Yoshioka
“Training has been excellent, and he’s in great shape. His footwork will be crucial, and the downhill section at Kyoto should suit him well.”

Assistant Trainer: Sho Tajima
“He’s been training well since returning from the farm. The outer course at Kyoto is ideal, and he should handle 2,200 meters fine. Some rain might even benefit him.”

Jockey: Akira Sugawara
“He’s in good condition and has plenty of stamina. He should perform well over Kyoto’s outer course, even on less-than-ideal ground.”

Deep Bond (horse, 7)
Trainer: Ryuji Okubo
“He’s in good shape and training well. The change to Kyoto’s outer course should benefit him. There’s no significant change in him due to age, and I expect another good race.”

Jockey: Hideaki Miyuki
“He’s easy to ride and has been training well. The Kyoto track should suit him, especially the downhill section.”

Do Deuce (horse, 5)
Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi
“He’s in excellent shape and looks sharper than in Dubai. He’s trained well and the Kyoto track shouldn’t pose any issues. I’m expecting a good result.”

Assistant Trainer: Yusuke Oe
“He’s looking good and has responded well in training. Fewer runners this time might help him finish stronger.”

Jockey: Yutaka Take
“He’s more relaxed and muscular now. His condition is good, and the Kyoto course should suit him better than Dubai.”

Heat on Beat (horse, 7)
Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi
“He’s in the same good condition as his last race and prefers firm ground. He has plenty of stamina and should perform well over 2,200 meters.”

Assistant Trainer: Yusuke Oe
“He’s been training well and concentrating nicely. The main concern is the ground, as he doesn’t prefer it too soft.”

Justin Palace (horse, 5)
Trainer: Haruki Sugiyama
“He’s handled training well and is in good shape. He’s relaxed, and the Kyoto course should suit him better than Hanshin. I’m expecting a good run.”

Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
“His footwork in training has been excellent. I’m looking forward to seeing him replicate last year’s performance.”

Karate (horse, 8)
Trainer: Hidetaka Otonashi
“His condition is stable, but distance could be a concern since he’s only won up to 2,000 meters.”

Assistant Trainer: Masanori Tanaka
“He’s better after his last race and training has gone well. He’ll face strong competition, but it’ll be interesting to see how he performs.”

Jockey: Mirai Iwata
“He’s moving well in training and easy to control. Soft ground might suit him.”

Pradaria (horse, 5)
Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe
“He’s improved in training and looks good. He has performed well at Kyoto before, and fewer runners should make for an easier race.”

Rouge Eveil (mare, 5)
Trainer: Yoichi Kuroiwa
“She’s improving in training and hasn’t lost weight. The heat doesn’t affect her much, and she should handle soft ground well.”

Rousham Park (horse, 5)
Trainer: Hiroyasu Tanaka
“He’s training well, even though he’s been a bit rough. The wider course and his good condition should help him against strong competition.”

Assistant Trainer: Hiroyuki Yamazaki
“He’s been moving well and is in similar condition to the Osaka Hai. He’s strong and in good shape to run a big race.”

Jockey: Keita Tosaki
“He’s in good shape and easy to control.”

Sol Oriens (colt, 4)
Trainer: Takahisa Tezuka
“He’s training well without overworking. The Kyoto outer course and 2,200 meters should suit him, and he should find a good rhythm.”

Jockey: Takeshi Yokoyama
“He’s suited to the outer course and can handle cut-up ground. He has Grade 1 ability and I’m aiming to do well with him.”

Struve (gelding, 5)
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
“He’s relaxed and doing well in training. It’s his first time against such strong opponents, so it’ll be a test of his ability.”

Jockey: Damian Lane
“He’s in good shape and moving well. He’s straightforward and honest.”

Yamanin Sympa (horse, 6)
Trainer: Takashi Saito
“After missing an earlier race due to injury, he’s now in good condition. The outer course and 2,200 meters should suit him despite strong competition.”