On February 2, 2025, the 39th Roots Stakes race at Tokyo Racecourse witnessed the impressive victory of Costanova, ridden by jockey Takumi Yokoyama and trained by Tetsuya Kimura. The race, part of the GIII series, featured 16 competing horses and was held over 1400 meters on slightly heavy dirt.
Costanova, the second favorite at the start, showed tremendous skill as he moved from mid-pack to overtake the competition decisively. He finished four lengths clear of his nearest rival, Road Fons, who was the third favorite. Alpha Mam, the 7th favorite, secured the third position, six lengths behind Costanova, whose final time was 1 minute and 22.6 seconds.
This victory marked Costanova's first triumph in stakes races, adding to his previous success at Tokyo where he has now gone five races unbeaten on this surface. The win also granted him priority entry to the upcoming February Stakes, which is known for being significant for horses aiming for top honors.
"I felt he had something special," Takumi Yokoyama expressed, reflecting on his confidence throughout the race. He noted, "The way he accelerated down the straight was beyond my expectations. I felt entirely at ease riding him after he secured his position effectively." Yokoyama, who had never ridden Costanova before, felt reassured by the horse's abilities showcased during the race.
Tetsuya Kimura, Costanova's trainer, also praised the horse's performance. "His start was good, and he ran with nice rhythm. The progress he made from his last training session to today was remarkable. He has clearly adapted well after his earlier setbacks," Kimura commented, appreciating both the horse's resilience and the work put in by his team.
The race kicked off with some drama as there was also an incident involving a fall shortly after the start. Despite this, Costanova stayed focused, displaying his capabilities without being fazed by the surrounding chaos.
Looking back at his racing history, Costanova transitioned to dirt racing after initially struggling on turf. With his newfound strategy, he secured several wins, culminating this year with this significant victory. His lineage - sired by Road Kanaro and out of Colorful Blossom - has shown strong potential, making heads turn within the racing community.
The Roots Stakes served as more than just another race; it was regarded as a stepping stone toward greater competitions, reminding fans of the continual evolution of racehorse capabilities. With this win, Costanova not only positioned himself firmly within the racing elite but also ignited excitement for his future prospects.
Costanova’s connections have maintained high hopes for the upcoming February Stakes, with many whispering he may become one of the leading figures of the event based on this established performance. His consistency and potential have solidified him as one to watch.
Entering the race with the pressure of expectations, Costanova managed to shine bright, exhibiting the qualities of a true champion. The Tokyo Racecourse registered yet another memorable event, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Costanova’s racing tale.
The significance of this victory extends beyond just winning; it creates anticipation for future races where Costanova will aim to carry on his impeccable form. With his trainer and jockey fully backing him, racing enthusiasts worldwide are keeping their eyes peeled for this promising talent.