Star colt Do Deuce clinched his fourth G1 title at this year's Tenno Sho (Autumn), adding to his wins in the 2021 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1,600m), the 2022 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, 2,400m), and the 2023 Arima Kinen (2,500m). With this victory, he becomes the seventh horse in JRA history to capture G1 titles for four consecutive years. The five-year-old bay rebounded impressively after two lackluster spring performances, likely setting his sights next on the Japan Cup (G1, 2,400m) on November 24 and a return to the Arima Kinen on December 22, before concluding his racing career this season.

This win represents trainer Yasuo Tomomichi's 20th JRA-G1 title, following his success in this year's Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) with Justin Milano. For veteran jockey Yutaka Take, it marks his 82nd JRA-G1 victory, following last year’s Arima Kinen with Do Deuce. Take, who previously won this race with Super Creek (1989), Air Groove (1997), Special Week (1999), Meisho Samson (2007), Vodka (2008), and Kitasan Black (2017), now ties Takayoshi Yasuda’s record with seven Tenno Sho (Autumn) titles.

Breaking cleanly from stall seven, Do Deuce eased back to sit second from last in the field. Coming wide around the final two turns, he positioned himself even further outside on entering the homestretch. Though still trailing with 400 meters to go, the son of Heart’s Cry delivered a powerful final burst, sweeping past his competitors with the fastest closing speed to claim victory by 1-1/4 lengths.

“I wanted to showcase Do Deuce’s true potential today, so seeing him power through the final stretch and cross the line first was immensely gratifying,” said Yutaka Take. “With the race unfolding at a slower pace, I relied on his strong closing speed and kept him second from last until the final push.”

Ninth-pick Tastiera, the 2023 Tokyo Yushun champion, held a mid-pack position around fourth, angled out around the final corners, and rallied to claim second, a half-length behind the winner. Eighth-choice Ho O Biscuits set a moderate pace, held his ground before being passed by the top two, and fought off late challengers to secure third by a neck.

Race favorite Liberty Island, who broke well from an outside stall and was well-positioned around fourth as they entered the stretch, could not sustain her pace in the last 200 meters, finishing 13th despite a promising start.

Other Horses:
4th: (11) Justin Palace—positioned around 11th, struggled to find clear path, quickened between horses in last 300m
5th: (2) Matenro Sky—saved ground around 5th, ran gamely until 100m out
6th: (1) Bellagio Opera—chased leaders around 3rd on rails, outrun in last 50m
7th: (6) Sol Oriens—ran around 8th, showed effort but needed more
8th: (14) Lebensstil—settled wide around 11th, unable to reach contention
9th: (3) Stella Veloce—sat around 8th, ran willingly at stretch, was checked 100m out
10th: (15) Nishino Revenant—trailed in rear, passed tired rivals with 2nd fastest late kick
11th: (5) North Bridge—hugged rails in 13th, showed effort but met traffic in last 100m
12th: (8) King’s Palace—traveled wide around 8th, lacked needed kick at stretch
14th: (10) Danon Beluga—raced wide around 6th, was checked 300m out, failed to respond
15th: (13) Schilthorn—tracked leader in 2nd, faded after 200m pole