Arc could be next as Yutaka Take wins sixth Japanese Derby aboard Do Deuce

Sunday: Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (Grade 1)

Legendary jockey Yutaka Take won his sixth Japanese Derby when partnering Do Deuce to victory at Tokyo on Sunday.

The 53-year-old settled his mount towards the back of the field after a slow start and set aim at the leaders in the home stretch.

Do Deuce responded with a sustained challenge down the outside and fended off the fast-finishing Equinox by a neck.

Take said: "This is a truly emotional experience for me and I couldn’t be happier. My colt isn’t such a good starter but we were able to sit in an ideal position so the fast pace didn’t bother me.

"He had so much left in the tank at the final corner. When I asked him for his run he responded amazingly and took the lead earlier than planned, but held on well to the wire.

"It’s so wonderful to be able to win in front of a packed stand – you couldn’t be a jockey and not dream of living this moment."

The favourite Danon Beluga could only manage fourth, while Japanese 2,000 Guineas winner Geoglyph was seventh.

Do Deuce won the Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity as a juvenile and finished third in the Grade 1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) on his last start.

His trainer Yasuo Tomomichi said: "I was relieved as I had a lot of confidence in the horse.

"I've been admiring Yutaka for a long time so I'm delighted to be able to win the Derby with him."

Do Deuce: has options in EuropeCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

A trip to Europe could be next on the cards for Take and the son of Heart's Cry as he holds entries in both the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Tomomichi said: "After the Satsuki Sho, it was decided that if he could get a good result in Derby, we would bring him to France in the fall.

"When I went there with Makahiki, I was frustrated, so I would like to somehow fulfil Japan's long-cherished wish of a Japanese win [in the Arc] with this horse."

Makahiki won the Prix Niel and was sent off 13-2 for the Arc in 2016, but could only finish a disappointing 14th of 16 behind Found.

Take added: "The Arc should be a strong option for the owner and will probably be our next target."

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