In a remarkable display of tactical brilliance, the 5-year-old Do Deuce (Heart's Cry {Jpn}–Dust and Diamonds, by Vindication) secured victory in the prestigious G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday. Guided by the seasoned hands of 55-year-old jockey Yutaka Take, Do Deuce unleashed a powerful late burst from the back of the pack to narrowly edge out Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who dead-heated for second. It was a slow run affair making the win extra special. 

Shin Emperor initially seized the lead as the field rounded the first turn, only to be overtaken by Durezza, the 2023 G1 Kikuka Sho winner, as jockey William Buick opted for a bold mid-race move down the backstretch. Meanwhile, Take kept Do Deuce well-positioned, cruising three wide and clear of trouble as the race approached its critical final stages.

Buick urged Durezza to capitalize on his staying prowess by committing early in the home stretch, but Take timed his challenge to perfection. Calling on Do Deuce’s finishing speed, he guided the colt past the tiring leader, holding off a determined late surge from Shin Emperor. The French-bred runner once again showcased his resilience, adding a share of second place to his impressive third-place finish in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes earlier this year.

Among the other notable contenders, Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) struggled to find rhythm early but closed strongly under Christophe Soumillon, eventually finishing sixth. The highly anticipated final career start for Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) ended in disappointment. Despite traveling smoothly through much of the race, he lacked the turn of foot needed in the stretch and crossed the line in eighth. Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) finished 11th, though only about six lengths separated him from the winner in a tightly contested field.

The victory marked a historic fifth Japan Cup win for Yutaka Take, solidifying his legendary status in Japanese racing. Do Deuce now boasts an impressive record of 16 starts with 8 wins, 1 second, and 1 third.

Race time was 2m 25.5s. Equinox ran 2m 21.8s last year.