The Grade 1 Futurity Stakes at Kyoto saw a rising star emerge as Admire Zoom claimed an impressive 2 1/2-length victory on Sunday. The 2-year-old colt, sired by Maurice and ridden by Yuga Kawada, showcased his potential on the turf, seizing the lead in the stretch and finishing strong in the mile-long race. Let’s break down his journey to victory.
A Perfect Ride for Admire Zoom
Grabbing the Lead and Never Letting Go
Admire Zoom, starting from an inside post, broke smoothly and settled into second place behind early leader Daishin Ra. By the time the turn came, the early pace had slowed, giving jockey Yuga Kawada the perfect opportunity to take the lead. The colt surged ahead and remained unchallenged as he crossed the finish line.
Kawada, who has now won the Futurity four times, reflected on the win: “Today he was in good rhythm coming to the turn, so I was able to bring out his best performance, and I knew then we were unbeatable.”
This marked Admire Zoom’s first graded win in only his third start, making it a memorable day for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, who also recently celebrated victory in the Japan Cup with Do Deuce.
Key Rivals: How the Field Fared
- Museum Mile
The second betting favorite, Museum Mile, struggled with a slow start. However, jockey Cristian Demuro skillfully advanced him to mid-field and later into contention. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t match Admire Zoom’s late kick and settled for second place. - Lance of Chaos
Rated mid-pack early in the race, Lance of Chaos found an opening in the homestretch to close the gap. Although he managed a solid third-place finish, he trailed Museum Mile by two lengths. - Arte Veloce
The post-time favorite and unbeaten colt Arte Veloce had a tough day. Held in mid-pack early on, he faced traffic issues in the stretch and couldn’t make a significant move. He ended the race in fifth place.
A Look at Admire Zoom’s Journey
Admire Zoom’s victory was achieved with a time of 1:34.1 on good-to-firm turf. After placing fourth in his debut over the same course in October, he came back strong in November with a three-length win at Kyoto. Sunday’s victory solidified his place as a promising contender in Japanese racing.
The Futurity Stakes, now in its 76th running, has shifted venues several times in recent years due to renovations and scheduling changes. The race moved from Nakayama to Hanshin in 2014, and it currently takes place at Kyoto until Hanshin’s renovations are complete.
Admire Zoom’s Futurity Stakes win marks a thrilling chapter in his young career and highlights the skill of his connections. With an exceptional ride by Yuga Kawada and guidance from trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, the colt has quickly risen to prominence. His performance hints at even greater achievements in the future. Racing fans will be eager to see what comes next for this promising 2-year-old star.
Visit Home