Dirt specialist Copano Rickey became the first horse to win the G1 February Stakes two years in a row with at on Sunday.

After last year’s triumph, the chestnut went on to secure two NAR G1 titles on dirt in the Kashiwa Kinen in May and the JBC Classic in November.

The Akira Murayama trained horse had come back to defend his title this year after kicking off his 2015 campaign successfully with a four length victory in last month’s G2 Tokai Stakes on the dirt but was then very disappointing in the Champions Cup.

For trainer Akira Murayama it was his third February Stakes win and as many JRA G1 titles, while veteran jockey Yutaka Take celebrates his 69th JRA G1 title and his first since the Mile Championship with Tosen Ra in 2013.

In contrast to his disappointing Champions Cup start, Copano Rickey sprinted well at the head of the backstretch and sat within two lengths of the pace setter Admire Royal up to the last corner.

He drew even with the leader 400 meters out and steadily expanded his lead, keeping the late closing Incantation at bay to hit the wire half a length in front.

Third pick Best Warrior took a wide trip in mid-pack and was a few lengths behind Incantation when the field straightened. He closed in through the stretch, picking off his tiring rivals to cross the line another 3/4 length behind for third.

“I’m happy and relieved since he was the race favorite. His break wasn’t that good, but we were able to take a smooth trip at a good pace,” Take said.

“We were fortunate that there was a pace setter. He was so confident and eager.

“He was tuned up perfectly for this target and was able to show his true strength.”