Energico gives Lemaire 3-peat in Japan’s marathon Kikuka Sho
Post-time favorite Energico was fifth at the top of the stretch when he made a decisive move under jockey Christophe Lemaire to win Sunday at damp Kyoto in the Grade 1, US$2.8 million Kikuka Sho, the 1 7/8-mile Japanese St. Leger that is the last jewel of the nation’s Triple Crown.
Lemaire won the turf stayers’ race around three right turns for an unprecedented third year in a row, adding to wins with Durezza in 2023 and Urban Chic last year. He also won twice before with Satono Diamond in 2016 and Fierement in 2018. Lemaire’s five wins are tied with Yutaka Take for the most in Kikuka Sho history.
A 3-year-old Duramente colt, Energico earned his first top-level win and his second in a graded stakes.
Energico was unhurried out of the gate and rated well off the pace in the rear half of the field of 18 3-year-olds. Shifting out for a clear path on the backstretch, he made use of the downhill grade in the final turn to make up ground.
Lemaire moved collared Excite Bio before the furlong pole to take the lead. Energico easily drew away uncontested to win by two lengths.
“It’s hard to believe that I won three in a row in this race,” Lemaire said. “Energico has lots of stamina, and although he is not so sharp out of the gate, we had plenty of time to keep patient and make our way to a good spot. I took the opportunity to grab a good route on the outside, and the colt responded well with a lasting finishing speed.”
Eri King closed from near the back of the field to finish second. Excite Bio settled for third.
The winning time was 3:04.0 without a run-up for the 3,000 meters, 19 yards less than 1 7/8 miles. The turf course was rated good.
Lemaire added his 56th Japan Group 1 win, and trainer Mizuki Takayanagi earned his third.
Energico won his first three starts before being withdrawn for unspecified health reasons from the Tokyo Yushun, also known as the Japanese Derby. He came back from a break to finish second last out in the August running of the Niigata Kinen (G3).