Road Fons, the top favorite, clinched victory at the Kakizaki Stakes on February 24, 2025, at Nagoya Racecourse, marking his first success in major races. Ridden by Kazuki Yokoyama, Road Fons showcased impressive speed and determination, finishing with a winning time of 1:33.5 on good ground.
The race unfolded with Road Fons positioning himself strategically, leading early against tough competitors such as Sunrise Hawk and Peisha Esu. The second-place finisher, Sunrise Hawk, attempted to make an inside move, but Road Fons managed to fend him off by the narrowest margin of just over half a length.
Yokoyama expressed his delight after the race, stating, "I’m glad I was able to show my skills at Nagoya for the first time." His performance was especially commendable as it was his debut riding at the Nagoya venue, where he faced challenges adjusting to the right-turn track. Nevertheless, he highlighted the horse's exceptional condition as pivotal to their success.
Shogo Yasuda, the trainer of Road Fons, analyzed the race positively, indicating confidence based on training leading up to the event. “The horse was difficult to ride, especially since it was his first time running on the right turn, but his good condition helped us prevail," he reflected, aware of the hurdles faced during the race.
This victory not only elevates Road Fons's profile but also holds great promise for future races, and both the jockey and trainer are optimistic about his potential. Road Fons, now boasting six wins from 15 races, is expected to continue his upward trend as they target more prestigious events.
The competition was fierce, with Peisha Esu finishing third after making significant ground from the back, showcasing the quality of horse racing at the event. The Kakizaki Stakes was significant for local horse racing enthusiasts, and Road Fons's win will likely draw more attention to future races at Nagoya.
Overall, the race was not only about the results but also about the experience and commitment shown by the team behind Road Fons, offering insights and excitement as they look forward to what lies ahead.