Do Deuce is set for his grand farewell at the upcoming Arima Kinen, the 69th edition of this prestigious Grade 1 race scheduled for December 22, 2024, at Nakayama Racecourse. Known for his impressive performances, this five-year-old has captivated racing fans, especially after dominating both the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup. His fan base is buoyed by the excitement surrounding his potential to retire on a high note.
The race promises to be thrilling, especially with Do Deuce also vying for his spot among the legends by aiming for the fall horse triple crown—achievements not seen since the days of T M Opera O and Zenno Rob Roy. His past performances have been astonishing; recent outings show he is peaking at just the right time. With jaw-dropping speed ratings, he finished his last two races with remarkable final three-furlong times, solidifying his reputation as one of Japan’s top contenders.
“After winning the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup, everyone is excited about Do Deuce’s potential to retire with the Arima victory,” stated racing experts, reflecting the widespread anticipation for the race.
This year's Arima Kinen will also see fierce competition from other notable contenders, including Urban Chic, the three-year-old colt who has sprinted to victory at the St. Light Memorial and Kikuka Sho this fall. His newfound prowess makes him a direct threat to Do Deuce's anticipated reign. Urban Chic's trainer, Ryo Takei, expressed confidence, citing his horse's rapid improvement as the season progressed.
Meanwhile, Danon Desair, this year's Derby winner, is eager to claw his way back to victory after finishing sixth at the Kikuka Sho. His trainer, Sho Go Yasuda, remains optimistic, noting the lessons learned after several setbacks. “Danon is ready to make amends at Nakayama,” he asserted, hinting at aggressive and strategic planning for the final stretch of the race.
The upcoming race is not just about the glory but significant prize money; the Arima Kinen boasts a breathtaking winner’s purse of 500 million JPY (approximately $4.6 million). Victory for Do Deuce would position him as one of Japan’s wealthiest horses, surpassing historical earnings records. His current JRA earnings stand at 17 billion JPY, and should he clinch the title, the tally might exceed the 20 billion JPY milestone, making him the first-ever horse to achieve such earnings throughout his career.
“Do Deuce is truly on the brink of making history; it’s not only about winning the race but etching his name in the annals of horse racing,” remarked one analyst during his breakdown of the race dynamics.
With last-minute preparations underway, the Nakayama Racecourse is expected to draw significant crowds eager to witness Do Deuce’s decisive run. His fans loyal to the imaginative horse and the legacy he aims to leave behind are making plans to flood the racetrack to cheer for one last time.
With racing enthusiasts’ eyes firmly fixed on him, Do Deuce, applying the advice from his experienced trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, rides with the hopes of his supporters, envisioned by many as the promised superstar on this occasion.
“This was always meant to be the spectacular culmination of what has been nothing short of magnificence,” concludes Tomomichi as he prepares the horse for this last challenge, indicative of the high stakes at play.
It’s clear racing aficionados are poised for an exhilarating experience as Do Deuce graces the track one final time, seeking to not just win the race but to wrap up his glorious career on the pinnacle of triumph. The stakes could not be higher, nor could the emotions be more intense as both seasoned competitors and newcomers alike will step up to the plate for this grand final showdown at Nakayama.
