Second behind Resistencia in his most recent start in the Group II Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Chukyo, Pixie Knight became a milestone first Group 1 winner for Maurice (JPN) with a career high performance in the Group 1 The Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama on Sunday.
Yuichi Fukunaga had the Hidetaka Otonashi-trained colt travelling sweetly on the bridle behind Mozu Superflare who was cutting out blazing sectionals.
After a moment of concern when having trouble gaining a split, Pixie Knight exploded when in clear air to defeat Resistencia (Daiwa Major) by two lengths with Shivaji (First Samurai) a head back in third.
The winner of a newcomers race over 1400m at Chukyo last season at two, Pixie Knight opened his 3yo season winning the Group III Shinzan Kinen over a mile at Chukyo.
Fourth in the Group III Arlington Cup (1600m) at Hanshin, the handsome son of Maurice (JPN) reverted to sprinting after finishing unplaced in the Group 1 NHK Mile Cup at Tokyo.
Back to 1200m he finished second in the CBC Sho at Kokura before his second-place finish in the Group II Centaur Stakes.
Pixie Knight is the second winner from three to race out of the King Halo (Dancing Brave) mare Pixie Hollow.
The winner of three of her 13 starts Pixie Hollow has a 2yo colt by Black Tide named Feengrotten and a colt foal by Kizuna.
It was a good result for Arrowfield Stud who not only shuttle the winners sire Maurice (JPN) but are debuting Daiwa Major’s three-time Group 1 winning son Admire Mars (JPN) this season.
Maurice (JPN) stands at a fee of $44,000 (inc GST).
