On March 12, 2025, at Funabashi Racecourse, Serafico Coeur, ridden by Mirco Demuro, won the 70th Daiolite Kinen, marking his consecutive victory with an impressive performance. The race, contested over 2400 meters on dirt, saw Serafico Coeur clocking an outstanding time of 2 minutes and 34.7 seconds, cementing his status as one of the top competitors among Japanese racehorses.
The race unfolded dramatically, with Serafico Coeur initially positioned mid-pack. The conditions were challenging due to steady rain leading up to the event, creating heavy track conditions. Demuro's strategy was to maintain the horse's rhythm rather than push too hard early on. His patience paid off when the horse surged forward during the later stages of the race, showcasing remarkable stamina and speed.
Finishing just necks behind was Grand Bridge, ridden by Koichi Shintani, who claimed second place. Meisho Fujin, under jockey Manabu Sakai, rounded out the top three, finishing three lengths behind the winner. Outrange, the pre-race favorite, faltered to finish sixth, much to the surprise of fans and analysts alike.
Demuro, reflecting on the victory, stated, "I believed in the horse's ability." He emphasized the importance of the horse's mental state, recalling how the horse displayed considerable spirit coming out of the final turn. "I had faith, and the horse responded magnificently,” he added, indicating the resilience of Serafico Coeur, who hadn’t raced since December 2023.
Trainer Terashima could hardly contain his joy after seeing his horse secure back-to-back titles at this prestigious event. When discussing the key factors behind the win, he noted, "The good draw and being distanced from the pace setters helped avoid kickback, allowing Serafico to run freely." This victory marks not only Serafico Coeur's third graded stakes win but also extends the trainer's successful history at the Daiolite Kinen.
Serafico Coeur has become known for his remarkable genetic lineage, tracing back to prominent bloodlines with notable ancestors such as Henny Hughes and Manhattan Cafe. With this victory, the horse's overall record now stands at seven wins out of eleven starts, underlining his potential for future success.
Despite the unfortunate fate of Outrange, Woord's insights about other competitors suggest the race was widely regarded as one of the finest contests this season. Koichi Shintani, trainer of Grand Bridge, acknowledged, "It was the best race, and the position was good. The distance proved decisive at the end," illustrating the level of challenge presented during the competition.
Meisho Fujin’s jockey, Manabu Sakai, also assessed his performance, saying, "I couldn't have the second gear, but I ran without hesitation to the front." His comments reflect the expectations and disappointments often felt before race day.
Looking toward the future, questions loom over what lies next for Serafico Coeur. A temporary break may be on the horizon, as Terashima considers the horse’s conditioning before planning the next steps. With strong performances and loyalty from his jockey, the potential for continued victories seems promising.
Overall, the Daiolite Kinen this year provided thrilling moments and dramatic finishes, showcasing the grit and talent of each competitor. Fans eagerly await future opportunities to watch Serafico Coeur and other talented horses as they gear up for the challenges and triumphs of the racing circuit.