Energico, ridden by jockey Kenichi Ikezoe, triumphed at the Centaur Stakes held on February 2, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse, marking its second consecutive victory. The race, which included thirteen competitors and spanned 1800 meters on turf, showcased the young horse’s resilience and speed after overcoming a poor start.
This impressive display took place over the course of the St. Polaria Prize, where Energico was the favorite, backed by odds of 3.0. Although the horse stumbled out of the gate, drawing gasps from the crowd, Ikezoe managed to regain control, positioning Energico at the back of the pack as they progressed through the race. Skilled negotiation through other racers was key, especially as the path became congested before the final sprint.
"I was worried when we got off to such a bad start, but I kept my cool. The horse ran well within the pack and had to navigate around obstacles before hitting top gear," Ikezoe said after the race, expressing his elation over the successful outcome. His strategic approach came to fruition when the horse broke free on the final straight, surging past competitors with remarkable speed.
The winning time was clocked at 1 minute and 48.2 seconds, highlighting not only Energico's pace but also the training and tactics employed by the team, including the ability to respond after the slow start. Energico’s lineage is equally impressive; it is sired by the acclaimed Duramente, who also won this race nearly ten years ago, illustrating the enduring legacy of the bloodline.
The race concluded with Mickey Madonna, the second favorite, crossing the finish line 1.25 lengths behind Energico, followed closely by Precious Day, securing third place. Despite the triumph, there were acknowledgments of areas for improvement, particularly concerning Energico’s somewhat hasty behavior off the gate. Ikezoe noted, "I feel the horse really has pace and potential, but it still has room to grow and improve," indicating his confidence in the horse's capabilities.
Trainer Mizuki Takayanagi echoed these sentiments, stating, "I felt the horse really has pace and potential, but it still has room to grow and improve." His words reflect not only achievement but also the anticipation surrounding Energico’s future races. Following this victory, discussions are set to occur with the horse’s owner to determine the next steps for this promising contender.
With this historic win, Energico has undoubtedly set its foundation within the racing community, and both its connections and fans are eager to see what lies ahead. Beyond the accolades, the horse’s ability to bounce back from adversity creates compelling narratives, setting the stage for more thrilling performances in the near future.