Gold Ship overcame a tardy start to record an unprecedented second straight win in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin on Sunday and puthimself on course to France for the Arc De Triomphe.

The odds-odd favorite stalked pacesetter Verxina from fifth early and to the outside of arch rival Gentildonna for most of the race before cruising to a three length victory.

Gentildonna, making her first start since winning the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, lacked the necessary response and finished a lacklustre ninth as the third favorite.

Gold Ship comfortably held off rank outsider Curren Mirotics to take second with dual Victoria Mile winner Verxina third.

Trained by Naosuke Sugai, the 5YO Gold Ship has now won five times at G1 level and has 11 wins from 19 career starts.

With the win, he earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park but is likely to go to Europe for the Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.

"The horse ran a good race to claim the victory," said winning rider Norihiro Yokoyama, who was riding Gold Ship for the first time.

"He didn't break well but I was able to guide him to a good position thanks to the wide draw.

“The track condition was a little soft so I wasn't sure if he would respond, but he didn't seem to care at all.

"He's a clever horse and whether he performs well or not depends on his mood. So I'm relieved that he lived up to the expectations of many fans."

Win Variation, the second choice, raced wide at the back of the field and angled out into the stretch before finishing seventh.

The field for the Takarazuka Kinen, the final G1 race of the spring season, is selected by race fans who vote for runners from all distances.

Gold Ship topped the voting this year, followed by Tenno Sho (Spring) runner-up Win Variation and Japan Cup winner Gentildonna.

Successful in the Japanese 2000 Guineas and St Leger in 2012, Gold Ship is yet to race outside Japan.