The 3200m Kyoto classic has a full field of 18 with hot favourite Orfevre drawn in 18.
Beat Black went into the lead and managed to stay there to win at odds of about 160/1! Orfevre's jockey let him settle at the back of the field and never did anything more than that - it wasnt just an uninspiring ride it was a non-ride. By contrast Tosen Jorden, with Yasunari Iwata riding, was also at the back of the field by his jockey urged him through the field to a spot where he could challenge and then fired in a run to tale second. Yutaka Take's mount Win Variation clocked the fastest time for the last 200 as he came with a rush to take third. Orfevre finished up in 11th spot more due to horses moving back through the field than his moving up. After the race it was announced that the plans to take Orfevre to the Arc have now been abandoned. It is to be hoped that his jockey will also be abandoned.
On Saturday the Aoba Sho saw favourite Fenomeno come home to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Etendard , on 50/1 with Stella Wind at 100/1 third and Yamanin Pharoah at 25/1 fourth.
