Second favorite Moanin claimed Japan’s first G1 contest of the year in the February Stakes in Tokyo on February 21.

Having his seventh start against a field of renowned dirt specialists, Moanin became the fastest 1600m winner of the JRA G1 title in history.

After registering four consecutive wins at the beginning of his career, Moanin turned in a close third in the G3 Musashino Stakes last November and captured his first graded title in the G3 Negishi Stakes last month.

He is prepared by Gentildonna’s trainer Sei Ishizaka, who celebrated his 13th JRA G1 triumph and second February Stakes win since claiming it with Vermilion in 2008.

For jockey Mirco Demuro this it was 15th G1 win and gave him consecutive JRA dirt G1 wins, the first in the 2015 Champions Cup with Sambista.

After the field broke smoothly at the top of the backstretch, Moanin,settled close to the front runners and although briefly checked at the top of the stretch unleashed an explosive kick to draw away convincingly to a 1-1/4 length victory.

“I was aware of his strength and had every confidence in him so I’m truly happy we were able to win,” Demuro said.

“The trainer warned me of his bad breaks, but he actually made a good spurt and after we were positioned well, I knew the title was ours.

“I’m glad that he stretched well in spite of losing concentration a bit after taking the lead.”

Race favorite Nonkono Yume was unhurried sitting near the rear before running the fastest last three furlongs to catch all but the winner.

Defending champion Copano Rickey settled on the rails in mid-field but succumbed to the intimidating speed to finish seventh.