As the excitement builds for the upcoming Osaka Hai race, two horses from the Miho Training Center are generating significant buzz: Stellar Veloce and Sixpence, both trained by the esteemed Kunieda Sakae. With Kunieda nearing retirement, the question on everyone's mind is which horse he would prefer to see cross the finish line first.
Sixpence, a horse that has shown great promise, captured the Spring Stakes last year, granting him a priority entry to the Shuka Sho. However, in a surprising turn of events, he opted to go straight to the Derby instead. This decision raised eyebrows among racing enthusiasts, as it deviated from the expected path of many competitors.
In his recent outings, Sixpence has participated in the Mainichi Okan in October 2024 and the Nakayama Kinen just last month. Now, as he prepares for the Osaka Hai, he faces a unique challenge: this will be his first race with just a four-week interval between competitions. Previously, the shortest interval he has experienced was nine weeks during the Derby, where he suffered his only defeat, finishing in ninth place.
Meanwhile, Stellar Veloce is set to be ridden by the renowned jockey J. Moreira, who is looking to secure his second consecutive G1 victory. This jockey assignment has stirred speculation that Kunieda might favor Stellar Veloce in this race, especially considering the stakes involved as he approaches retirement.
As the race day approaches, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how Sixpence will handle this untested schedule. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? The dynamics of this race are further complicated by the fact that Sixpence has never raced under such conditions before, making it a true test of his capabilities.
With the odds and expectations swirling, the Osaka Hai is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Will Sixpence break through with a strong performance, or will Stellar Veloce, with Moreira at the helm, take the spotlight?
As the horses prepare for their showdown, the racing community is buzzing with anticipation. Fans are left to wonder: who will emerge victorious in this pivotal race, and what will it mean for Kunieda's legacy as he steps away from the sport?
The stakes are high, and the competition fierce. With both horses vying for glory, the Osaka Hai promises to be a spectacle of speed, strategy, and the enduring spirit of competition.
