Crack New Zealand-bred stayer Werther overcame a string of setbacks to finish a gallant runner-up in Sunday's Group I Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin.
The son of Tavistock suffered from weight loss in the lead-up to the Japanese feature event and jumped from a wide gate on a track firmer than he would have liked.
However, Werther showed his quality in beating all bar the local
hope Mikki Rocket.
"We are so proud of him, he is all heart," trainer John Moore said. "He's a horse that knows where the winning post is and he showed a lot of fortitude to hit the line.
"I don't like running second, never do, but from a Hong Kong point of view, we've shown just how good our best stayer is. To take on the best of the Japanese and to run as well as he did, it just shows – don't take Hong Kong's horses lightly."
Werther went into the Takarazuka Kinen after only one run, having finished sixth in Gr. 3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m).
"If he had been aimed solely for this with a preparation to suit, rather than this being something of an afterthought with only the one mile run under him, I think he would have won," rider Hugh Bowman said. - NZ RAcing Desk
