Dhaamer Set for Tokyo City Cup
Despite not having raced since last Aug. 25, Mike Mitchell expects Dhaamer to run his race in Saturday’s Grade III Tokyo City Cup at a mile and a half on dirt.
“He wasn’t out for any leg problem,” Mitchell said of the 6-year-old Irish-bred gelding owned by Edward Brown Jr. and Jay Manoogian, both of Irvine. “We wanted to let him down and were able to do that at Bobby Mitchell’s farm (in Hemet). We kept him moving there and he was outside. It’s a good way of freshening a horse.
“He didn’t lose a lot of conditioning out there, so it was very easy to get him ready to train for this race. I’ve got no excuses as far as him needing a race. He’s worked very well, he’s galloped out very strong, so he’s ready.”
In a marathon void of apparent speed, Dhaamer, if not on the lead, shouldn’t be far off, although the son of Dubai Destination has never been in front until he’s hit the homestretch in five U.S. starts. He was second by a neck in last year’s Tokyo City Cup in his first U.S. race.
Prior to coming here, he was trained by international horseman John Gosden. In 15 career starts, Dhaamer has a 5-3-1 record with earnings of $214,722.
In other Tokyo City Cup news:
Dreamcatcher makes his stakes and conventional dirt debut, but Joe Talamo is optimistic about the son of Tapit’s chances. “They will be some firsts for him, but it looks like there should be a good pace,” the jockey said. “He won at a mile and a quarter, so I think he’s going to love a mile and a half. If he handles the dirt, he should be good.”
The Tokyo City Cup field: Dreamcatcher, Joe Talamo, 8-1; Sky Kingdom, Martin Garcia, 9-2; Batti Man, Victor Espinoza, 15-1; Oilisblackgold, Edwin Maldonado, 7-2; Richard’s Kid, Tyler Baze, 9-2; Calidoscopio, Aaron Gryder, 7-2; Jaycito, Alonso Quinonez, 15-1; and Dhaamer, Rafael Bejarano, 5-2. Santa Anita salutes Ohi Racecourse in Tokyo with the Tokyo City Cup. There will be traditional Japanese drum ceremonies, great exhibitions, family fun activities and amazing Japanese cuisine.