Group One success for undefeated Tokyo Tycoon

Breednet - Saturday March 11

Leading rider Opie Bosson brought up a special milestone at Pukekohe on Saturday when outstanding juvenile Tokyo Tycoon provided him with his tenth win in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m).

Tokyo Tycoon

Most jockeys strive to capture one win at the highest echelon during their careers but Bosson, who now has 90 Group One wins to his name, has made this race his own and provided another masterclass on the striking son of boom young Deep Impact stallion Satono Aladdin.

Trainer Mark Walker had Tokyo Tycoon in prime condition as he looked to extend his unbeaten record to five, this time for Bosson who replaced South African jockey Craig Zackey who has headed back to his homeland after guiding Tokyo Tycoon to his last two victories.

Tokyo Tycoon was positioned much closer than in recent runs, sitting outside pacemaker Ulanova throughout, before issuing his challenge with 300m to run.

After a brief tussle with Ulanova, the eventual runner-up, Tokyo Tycoon soon asserted his superiority to record a two and a half-length victory for owners, the Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership and Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership.

Tulsi closed well for third in a race run in a sedate 1.10.89, while second-favourite Ethereal Star had no luck finishing fifth, unable to be ridden out with a badly slipped saddle.

Walker was quick to praise both horse and rider after an effortless elite-level win.

“I was a bit surprised he jumped and put himself so close today, but he travelled so good and Opie just sat and waited,” Walker said.

“He loafed a little bit, but he just goes out there and knows what his job is.

“He is real workmanlike and didn’t cost a fortune either and shows anyone can be involved, in fact we still had shares available in him in June last year. He was our last horse to sell that year.”

Tokyo Tycoon was purchased as a yearling by Te Akau principal David Ellis in March last year at the Karaka Book 1 Sale, paying $125,000 for the then colt from the draft of Rich Hill Stud.

Advertisement

Walker is still trying to work out whether to continue on with the current campaign for his charge.

“You just don’t know with him as you can only beat your opposition on the day,” he said.

“We will see how he pulls up and we will work out a plan on Monday.

“We just want to let the dust settle, see how he eats although he always does eat up and then we will make a plan from there.” 

Bosson was his usual understated self when questioned about the performance and his record in the race.

“This race has been good to me and to Te Akau Racing over the years,” he said.

“He (Tokyo Tycoon) actually made me feel nervous going out there, but he is a top horse and when he jumped out of the barriers, I felt like there was only two of us in the race.

“I was worried for about five strides when we tackled Ulanova, but once he changed leg, he quickened up nicely.

“I think he is right up there as he is untapped and just so laid back. He goes out there and just feels like he is going to go to sleep.”

The win was another boost for Rich Hill Stud shuttle stallion Satono Aladdin, who won the highest rated mile in Japan, the Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) running an incredible 1:31.5 and has proved hugely popular amongst New Zealand breeders, with Tokyo Tycoon becoming his first Group One winner from just his second Southern hemisphere crop. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Sistema Stakes Gr1 1200m

Pukekohe Park Track: Soft(5) Time: 1:10.89
1
Ulanova
- 2f Santos (AUS) x The Fairy's Kiss (AUS) (Elusive Quality (USA))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: C J Grylls 55
2
4.8
Tulsi
- 2f The Autumn Sun (AUS) x Talimena (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: J Benner & H Wynyard Rdr: M J Mc Nab 55
Inglis Classic Yearling Sale $520,000
Seller: Valiant Stud, Aberdeen
Buyer: Magus Equine Ltd
3
7.3
To Catch A Thief
- 2g U S Navy Flag (USA) x Stolen Gem (AUS) (Snitzel (AUS))
Tnr: G Richardson & R Norvall Rdr: Joe Doyle 57
4
9.8
Ethereal Star
- 2f Snitzel (AUS) x Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi (GB))
Tnr: Andrew Forsman Rdr: W F Pinn 55
5
10.0
Bella Ragazza
- 2f Tivaci (AUS) x Ramazzotti (NZ) (Per Incanto (USA))
Tnr: Andrew Forsman Rdr: K Asano 55
6
12.7
He Reigns
- 2g Ocean Park (NZ) x Joy (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: R T Elliot 57
More Reading...
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Tokyo Tycoon Wins G3 Matamata Slipper
Local mentor Mark Walker was on top of the podium at Matamata on Saturday when he claimed the two juvenile feature races on the day starting with Satono Aladdin (Jpn) gelding Tokyo Tycoon.
Talented So You Think Mare Goes Two for Two
So You Think is setting the pace for winners this season as we head into October and one of those promising winners is talented four year-old mare Enamorada, who made it two wins in as many starts when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday as favourite.
Freshen Up Can Put Tokyo Tycoon Back on Track
Talented three-year-old Tokyo Tycoon will commence his path towards next month’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m).
Tokyo Tycoon Ready to Return
Last season’s standout juvenile Tokyo Tycoon is set to get his spring preparation underway when he heads to Hastings on Saturday to contest the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
First Win for Storm Boy Half-Brother by Pierro
Progressive Pierro colt Shangri La Boy is a very different horse to his older half-brother Storm Boy and while that Group winning colt is covering his first book of mares at Coolmore this spring, this fellow is on his way with an impressive maiden win at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Hellbent Winner Impresses at Sha Tin
Astute trainer Mark Newnham paid $425,000 at the 2023 NZB Ready to Run Sale to secure a promising two year-old by Hellbent and Invincible Ibis delivered on that promise when scoring a last to first win at Sha Tin on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 1
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.