Another Japanese Success Story.
It was twelve months ago the silks of Shadai Race Horse Co Ltd won the Red Sea Turf Handicap with Stay Foolish. Those same colours made it back-to-back victories as Silver Sonic scored in emphatic style.
Drawn the inside gate, Silver Sonic broke well, and the grey settled in behind the UK Ascot Gold Cup (G1) winner Subjectivist who was returning to the track after 20 months along with another UK runner Trawlerman.
A G2 winner in Japan, Australian jockey Damian Lane asked Silver Sonic to go forward turning for home as the leaders began to weaken. From that point, the race was as good as over as Silver Sonic raced clear to run out a comfortable winner by two and a half lengths recording a time of 3:06.46. Second was Enemy with Get Shirty in third with Frances' only thoroughbred runner at the meeting Big Call finishing fourth.
Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee shared the historical significance of the win:
"I didn't talk tactics with Damien, he made his own plans, and we didn't discuss anything before the race. I bought Orfevre to the Arc twice, but he ran second on both occasions, so winning a big race abroad with Orfevre's son is a great pleasure. My father trained Stay Gold, his dam's sire, so the feeling with this victory is so special."
Jockey Damian Lane explained the tactics applied:
"He began well, which is always important from barrier one. I was happy to track Subjectivist, who was always going to set a nice tempo and be a good horse to follow. I needed a bit of luck to get through but once it opened up, he finished really well."
Top weight Subjectionist was able to lead but faded to finish twelfth. His jockey Joe Fanning reflected on the run:
"I felt he was keen enough, he has been off for a while and in the end he just got tired. As long as he's OK afterwards, I'm sure he'll be back."
