Gran Alegria swept to a four-length win in the Victoria Mile (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse on May 16 under Christophe Lemaire’s supremely confident ride.
The 5-year-old mare earned a guaranteed spot in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) this November at Del Mar; after smashing a talented field. She reached full stride after scaling the early stretch, looked every bit the leader 100 meters out, and effortlessly distanced the others the rest of the way.
Gran Alegria was bred by Northern Farm and is a daughter of Tapitsfly; winner of the Longines Just a Game (G1T) and First Lady (G1T) stakes in 2012. As well as the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Sunday Racing’s owner, Kazuo Fujisawa, trains her.
Gran Alegria the fatest horse
Over the final 300 meters, Gran Alegria was the fastest horse. The final 200 meters sealed Grand Alegria’s win. As Rambling Alley, Magic Castle, and the rest of the field were unable to pass the Deep Impact-bred mare. (Deep Impact is also the father of Rambling Alley, Magic Castle, and seven other Victoria Mile competitors.)
Second-favorite Resistencia, a 4-year-old Daiwa Major filly; took a brief lead late in the race but couldn’t hold on and finished sixth, with Gran Alegria clocking in at 1:31.0 over good to firm track.
The Victoria Mile guarantees the top three finishers entry to the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) on September 5 in Paris. Also, the Prix du Haras du Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois (G1) on August 15 in Deauville. In addition to a Breeders’ Cup slot for the winner.
Make sure to check Horse Racing Tote for all the latest horse news, racetrack entries, horse racing weekend results, horse racing odds and so much more.
Follow us on Social Media for instant Racing News Gran Alegria updates!