The excitement around the 70th Tokyo Daishoten, one of Japan's most prestigious horse races, is palpable as it approaches its scheduled date of December 29, 2023. The race, held at the Oi Racecourse, marks the culmination of the year’s dirt racing events, highlighting the skills and stamina of the nation’s best thoroughbreds.
Leading the charge is Ushba Tesoro, who is poised to make history by aiming for his third consecutive victory. With previous wins under his belt and remarkable performances—including four G1 wins such as the Dubai World Cup—he has established himself as one of the premier racehorses on the circuit. Only Omega Perfume has managed to achieve the feat of three consecutive wins from 2018 to 2021, placing Ushba Tesoro on the verge of joining this elite company.
Ushba Tesoro’s trainer, Takagi, has shared insights about the horse's recent training regimen upon his return from overseas races. The adjustments seem to suit Ushba Tesoro well, as Takagi noted, "There is no change in his body. It’s about his mind. He is no longer taking the bit for himself at the third corner," highlighting concerns over the horse's mental readiness throughout the season.
This year has presented several challenges for Ushba Tesoro. He faced narrow defeats, including finishing second by the smallest of margins at the Saudi Cup and encountering significant setbacks at the Dubai World Cup, where he came away with an eight-and-a-half-length second place. His other outings, like the autumn's Nippon TV Hai and the Breeders' Cup Classic, did not yield results reflective of his true potential, leaving fans and connections eager for redemption.
Considering these past hurdles, Takagi has implemented changes to help Ushba Tesoro regain focus. The introduction of blinkers has brought about noticeable improvements. "He has become easier to ride. I think we will definitely use the blinkers during the main event," Takagi stated, reflecting his renewed confidence as they prepare for this forthcoming challenge.
The Tokyo Daishoten is more than just another race; it embodies the spirit of competition and the ardent desire for success. With pulsations of the crowd and high expectations for Ushba Tesoro, both the horse and his team are laser-focused on achieving this monumental goal.
Fans will be on the edge of their seats as they watch to see if Ushba Tesoro can not only meet the expectations but exceed them once again at the Tokyo Daishoten. The wait for the 29th of December is full of anticipation for what could become another storied victory for this champion horse, poised on the brink of making history.
