Almond Eye's son Alonz Rod has finally claimed his first victory on February 8 at the Tokyo Racecourse, thrilling fans of the legendary racehorse. With jockey C. Lemaire aboard, Alonz Rod, the top favorite, showcased his potential by overcoming competitors and finishing strong.
The race, part of the 3-year-old maiden series, unfolded with Alonz Rod starting from the 10th gate. Finding his place behind the initial leaders, Lemaire guided him from the middle of the pack as he waited for the right moment to strike. Entering the final stretch, Alonz Rod surged forward, overtaking the third favorite, Impact Sea, to win by 1.25 lengths. The victory time was clocked at 2 minutes and 26.9 seconds over the turf distance of 2400 meters.
Alonz Rod's lineage adds immense prestige to his accomplishment. He is the first foal of Almond Eye, who boasted nine G1 victories, including the prestigious Japan Cup and the Oka Shoten. Many expected Alonz Rod to succeed, but after starting his career with finishes of fourth, second, and third, winning his debut was eagerly anticipated.
Post-race, Lemaire couldn't hold back his excitement, stating, "Finally won!" His optimism for the horse's future shone through as he remarked, "I always believed he would extend till the finish," acknowledging the pressure they faced throughout the previous races.
The trainer, E. Kunieda, also shared his thoughts on the win, reflecting on the significance of Alonz Rod being Almond Eye's first offspring. "This victory is significant as he is Almond Eye's first offspring," Kunieda noted, indicating the potential for legacy and success they both foresee.
The atmosphere at Tokyo Racecourse was electric, with fans showering the winning horse with thunderous applause. Alonz Rod had set social media abuzz even before the race, trending on platforms as discussions filled with praise and support anticipated his performance.
Comments from the crowd during the race included expressions of joy, with supporters noting how long overdue the win felt. “Finally! We always knew he had it in him!” post-race comments encapsulated the overwhelming sentiment from fans, showcasing the passion for thoroughbred racing.
Following this pivotal win, focus now turns to the future for Alonz Rod, where conversations of potential runs at classic events like the derby begin. His victory not only signifies his own success but raises expectations for his potential development as he matures.
The significance of Alonz Rod's race has reignited buzz within the racing community, reinforcing the legacy of Almond Eye's bloodline. Numerous fans and critics are closely observing Alonz Rod, confidently predicting his rise through competitive ranks, echoing the illustrious career of his mother. Kunieda's aspirations for painting Alonz Rod's future success are strong as he emphasized, "I hope he continues to awaken and tap fully we can make it to the derby."