Abu Qir Bay flashes home to take G3 Aoi Stakes

Abu Qir Bay unleashed a storming late run to register a first G3 success in the Aoi Stakes at Kyoto, Japan, on Saturday, 31 May. 

The Tomoyasu Sakaguchi-trained daughter of Fine Needle settled in seventh in the six-furlong sprint for three-year-olds as Craspedia rushed up to lead the 16 runners. 

Abu Qir Bay still had six rivals in front of her entering the final furlong before quickening strongly for Mirai Iwata down the centre of the course, collaring Craspedia in the final strides to prevail by three-quarters of a length. 

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “It was a very gutsy performance from a petite filly who was racing against colts. She is a first foal and not a great grubber and the team in our satellite operation in Okayama did a great job to get condition on her before she returned to trainer Sakaguchi just three weeks ago. Kudos to both. 

“We were of the opinion before the race that she was better than her naked form suggested. She has been a tad unlucky in the past. Indeed, she needed some luck before the race even started as she had to survive a ballot on Thursday to get a starting berth. Having won today will boost her earnings and will give her trainer more latitude in planning her future campaign. 

“It was a fine controlled ride by jockey Mirai Iwata who is celebrating his 25th birthday today. Happy Birthday Mirai!”