Do Deuce, partnered with the 54 year old legendary jockey Yutaka Take for the first time this season, triumphed in the Arima Kinen, securing his third G1 title against a high-caliber field featuring eight G1 winners. The Heart's Cry colt's impressive track record included victories in the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1, 1,600m) as a two-year-old and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1, 2,400m) at three. However, the current season posed challenges, beginning with a setback in the Kyoto Kinen (G2, 2,200m), where he was ruled out of the intended overseas challenge in the Dubai Turf due to a lame left foreleg. Do Deuce is one of a few horses to ever beat World Champion Equinox. 

The comeback journey unfolded in the fall with appearances in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1, 2,000m) in October and the Japan Cup (G1, 2,400m) in November, where regular rider Yutaka Take couldn't take the reins due to injury. Despite finishing seventh and fourth, respectively, Do Deuce showcased resilience. Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, claiming his 18th JRA-G1 title, and Yutaka Take, securing his 81st overall G1 victory and the first since the Osaka Hai with Jack d'Or in April, celebrated the Arima Kinen victory.

In the race, Do Deuce displayed a strategic approach, starting unhurriedly and rating near the rear outside a rival. Progressing along the outside approaching the third corner, he joined the front group, still trailing by about four lengths. With 200 meters to go, Do Deuce, alongside Stars on Earth, initiated a strong late charge, surpassing the leader 100 meters out and out-dueling Stars on Earth just before the wire, clinching a 1/2-length victory.

Yutaka Take commented on the victory, expressing satisfaction with Do Deuce's performance and emphasizing the colt's keenness, requiring careful handling to maintain rhythm. The triumph signified a compelling comeback after the challenges earlier in the season.

Stars on Earth, the seventh pick, broke sharply and tracked the leader before being joined by the eventual winner. Despite a valiant effort, she finished second, outmatched by Do Deuce in the final stretch by 1/2 length.

Titleholder, the sixth choice, took an early lead, contesting with Stars on Earth and building a substantial gap. However, he was caught by the top two finishers in the final stretch, managing to hold off the fast-closing Justin Palace for third place.

Race favorite Justin Palace faced difficulties at the start, trailing nearly 20 lengths behind. Making headway approaching the third corner and circling wide into the homestretch, the Deep Impact colt closed strongly. Despite a powerful finishing run, he narrowly missed third place by a head margin, marking a commendable effort in the Arima Kinen.

The total tote betting on the race alone amassed USD 383.3 million as opposed to the Kentucky Derby which garned USD 188.7 million. Last year's figure for the Arima Kinen was slightly lower at ¥52,155,046,600, this year ¥54,579,634,000.