Danon Decile produces statement performance to land Sheema Classic
$6,000,000 Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (Presented by Longines)
Mdmar – Dubai Racing Club
Danon Decile proved to be yet another emerging international superstar for Japan with a decisive victory in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic.
In a deep and constantly evolving event, last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) hero was given a sensible and patient ride by Keita Tosaki as the pace up front changed frequently.
At first it was Danon Decile’s compatriot Shin Emperor, the Japanese Derby third who has already established himself in the global arena and scored in Saudi Arabia last month, out in front before Godolphin’s defending champion Rebel’s Romance took over with around 1400m to go.
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William Buick and Rebel’s Romance looked to have the race at their mercy turning into the home straight before Durezza threw down the first challenge with 400m remaining.
Tosaki, however, was beginning to gather momentum on Danon Decile and the handsome chestnut charged past the pair on what was only his tenth start and his first outside his homeland in a time of 2:27.05.
French challenger Calandagan began his own run even later but closed through for second, a length and a quarter behind, with Durezza shading Rebel’s Romance for the minor placing.
It was an equally important win for Danon Decile’s promising trainer, Shogo Yasuda, whose father Takayuki prepared the legendary sprinter-turned-sire Lord Kanaloa, while Tosaki had finished second in the 2021 Dubai World Cup on Chuwa Wizard.
“He’s a very, very good horse,” said Tosaki, three-time champion jockey in Japan. “There was huge pressure on me so it’s fantastic to win this race.
“For the people watching at home in Japan so late, I am so happy, thank you so much.”
Tosaki added: “He was excited before the race but he settled when he got into the stall. He ran a great race, travelled really well on the bridle.
“I expected him to run a similar race to the Tokyo Yushun [Japanese Derby] and he did it.
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“I knew the field was very strong but I thought Danon Decile was competitive. I am delighted we proved his ability here in Dubai.”
Calandagan (2nd), trainer Francis Graffard said: “He was slow out of the stalls and he takes so much time to get into his rhythm. Mickael said during the race he was happy they weren’t going faster because he needed to get going. I don’t have any excuses. In the straight we were following the winner and he had the first kick. He came really fast at the end. It was a very good start of the season for him. The plan is to go to Epsom for the Coronation Cup with him, but we’ll see how he comes back from Dubai. It’s a very good run and Mickael will know him more for the future, too.”
Durezza (3rd), jockey Christophe Soumillon said: “I had a great trip and with the good draw I was able to sit in the ideal position. Turning in I was able to accelerate past Rebel’s Romance but the first and second swept past me quite easily 300m from home. He was brave and ran all the way to the line and he’s done himself proud.”
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Rebel’s Romance (4th), jockey William Buick said: “He ran well, he ran a super race. We were happy to take the lead down the back and the pace slackened but he was running against fresher legs. Naturally it’s impossible for horses to retain all of their abilities as they get older and he’s not getting any younger.”
Giavellotto (5th), jockey Oisin Murphy said: “I was too far back. The horse was in great shape and he’s run a very solid race, but it was hard to make ground on those leaders.”
Cervinia (6th), jockey Christophe Lemaire said: “I was alongside the winner, but my filly didn’t pick up. I have no excuses for the moment. Last time in Japan she ran nearly the same, I thought it was because of the track and her condition, but today she looked brilliant, so I don’t know. I am disappointed.”
Deira Mile (8th), jockey Tom Marquand said: “He did a little bit too much on the way around on the back of the Japanese filly. He actually took a furlong to take a breath on the back straight. He ran home well, finished off that last furlong nicely so probably better than it looks on paper.”
Calif (9th), jockey Adrie de Vries said: “He came with a little run, but didn’t see it through. Maybe it’s too far for him.”
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