Kumanyuk Squares Off With Embroidery In Shuka Sho

[Wandering Eyes]

Riding a three-race winning streak, Kumanyuk (Black Tide) faces 17 rivals in the G1 Shuka Sho over 2000 metres at Kyoto on Sunday. The third jewel of the Japanese Triple Tiara brings together the winners of the first two legs.

A winner of the G2 Flora Stakes, G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and G2 Rose Stakes in succession, the last coming on September 14, the filly is the one to beat. She had Theresa (Admire Mars) back in second with G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies second Vip Daisy (Satono Diamond) fourth in that affair last month.

Said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, “Coming into the homestretch in the Rose Stakes, a horse to her inside moved out and bumped into this one, causing her to lose her balance. However, after regaining her balance she quickened nicely. She got cut on her hind leg, but we were able to ride her soon after. Her work Oct. 1 centered on keeping her calm. Jockey Yuga Kawada rode work on Oct. 9. I left it to Kawada how hard he would push her in the final stage, and he just pushed her a bit toward the end. She looked good and worked seriously. This week, we just did enough to get her breathing right. Her weight is up but she's taller and bigger all around. I think 2000 meters will be a plus. The biggest concern is starting in front of the stands. I think she'll be able to handle the ground even if it's a bit rain-affected.”

Opposing Kumanyuk is G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) heroine Embroidery (Admire Mars). Although she was only ninth in the Yushun Himba to that foe, she also had Ma Puce (Mind Your Biscuits) back in second in the G3 Daily Hai Queen Stakes earlier in the season.

Said trainer Kazutomo Mori, “She's gotten one size bigger over the summer, and her weight was over 490kg when she returned from the farm to Miho about three weeks ago. Christophe Lemaire rode her on the flat at Miho on Oct. 9 with a horse in front of her. The focus was on keeping her balanced and her responses were excellent. We shipped her to Ritto and her weight didn't drop. I think most of the gain is due to her bigger frame and added muscle. This week, she worked alone up the hill course.

“To be honest, I think the 2000-meter inner course will not be easy. She has a very big stride and does better over a more spacious course. Being able to sustain a good speed at length is her forte.”

The top three from the September 7 G2 Shion Stakes have also returned in Kelly Fled Ask (Duramente), Jocelyn (Epiphaneia), and Danon Fair Lady (Kizuna).

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