Stay Gold made four starts in the Group 1 Japan Cup without
winning before embarking on a highly successful stud career, however his close
relation Shonan Pandora landed the rich prize at her first attempt at Tokyo
Racecourse on Sunday.
Ridden by Kenichi Ikezoe for trainer Tomokazu Takano, Shonan
Pandora finished best in the closing stages to deny Ryan Moore on Last Impact
with favourite Lovely Day (King Kamehameha) a close-up third. (photo JRA)
It was a quinella for super sire Deep Impact who won the
Japan Cup in 2006 and has now sired three of the last four winners following
the back to back triumphs of his champion daughter Gentlidonna in 2012 and
2013.
Trip To Paris, with Tommy Berry on board, was never a factor
and after being well back early struggled home in 14th place
Winner of the Group 1 Shuka Sho last season, Shonan Pandora
captured the Group II Sankeio Sho at Nakayama on September 27 before finishing
third behind Lovely Day in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) at Tokyo on November
1.
While Stay Gold, who died earlier this year, is by Sunday
Silence out of Gold Sash, Shonan Pandora is by Sunday Silence's champion son
Deep Impact out of Gold Sash's daughter Cutie Gold who is by the former
Arrowfield shuttler French Deputy (USA).
