Second favorite Gold Ship won over the "three-way match-up" in this year's Takarazuka Kinen to claim his fourth G1 title following last year's Arima Kinen. After scoring a comfortable two-length victory in his first start of this season in the Hanshin Daishoten (G2) in March, the son of Stay Gold was unable to exert his usual late charge from behind and finished a disappointing fifth in the Tenno Sho (Spring) despite being posted an overwhelming favorite. He became the 13th horse following Orfevre to claim both the Takarazuka and Arima Grand Prixes. This win gave his jockey Hiroyuki Uchida his second Takarazuka Kinen title, following his victory with Eishin Deputy (JPN, by French Deputy) in 2008, and his tenth JRA G1 title following the Victoria Mile in May. Trainer Naosuke Sugai claimed his fifth JRA G1 victory following last year's Arima Kinen.

Moving towards the front after a good break instead of his usual style of racing towards the rear, Gold Ship settled right outside race favorite Gentildonna as Silport rushed out to set a fast pace. Silport accelerated through the backstretch and widened the gap to 10-15 lengths between fifth-pick Danon Ballade racing in second. Gentildonna and Gold Ship raced side by side another 3-4 lengths behind in third and fourth, respectively, with third choice Fenomeno traveling further back in sixth.

As the field rounded the last two corners entering the homestretch, the three top favorites, Gentildonna, Gold Ship and Fenomeno, in this order, surged forward to close in on the frontrunners, and just when Danon Ballade inherited the lead from the tiring Silport at the 200-meter pole, Gold Ship unleashed a ferocious charge, pulling away from Gentildonna and passing Danon Ballade on its way to a 3-1/2-length victory. Gentildonna and Fenomeno desperately pursued the leader but Danon Ballade held on well to fend off the strong charges by the two horses and passed the wire in second while Gentildonna and Fenomeno finished a neck and another 1/2 length behind in third and fourth, respectively.

"The horse was in very good form, so I was able to take him towards the front while saving enough energy for the finish. I'm very glad that we were able to win over the other two strong rivals and look forward to his further great performance in the future," commented jockey Hiroyuki Uchida.

"The jockey had been coming to the stable to exercise the horse from two weeks before the race. This victory is the result of the efforts and contributions of all the staff. I was sure that the horse could race toward the front, and I think the jockey was able to guide the horse successfully today. The track condition (somewhat soft due to the rainy season) also contributed to this victory. We will discuss with the owner and decide on his future schedule," commented trainer Naosuke Sugai.

Other Horses:
5th: (6) Tosen Ra—raced behind winner, failed to quicken, unable to close in on top 4 finishers
6th: (8) Nakayama Knight—travelled in back of mid-pack, one paced at stretch, never a threat
7th: (9) Rosen Konig—trailed in rear, circled wide to lane and improved position
8th: (7) Smart Gear—reserved 2nd from last, lacked needed kick
9th: (2) Tanino Epaulette—settled toward rear, even paced after turning for home
10th: (5) Silport—set the pace with 15-length gap at one point, used up and fell back in last furlong
11th: (1) Hit the Target—positioned in 7th along rail, never a contender