KEY POINTS:
SINGAPORE - Shadow Gate powered to victory in the US$2 million ($2.8 million) Singapore Airlines International Cup on Sunday to record a second straight success for Japan in one of Asia's richest horse races.
Heavily backed Shadow Gate did not have the easiest of runs but quickened down the stretch to beat fellow-Japanese horse Cosmo Bulk, last year's winner, into second and French challenger Doctor Dino in third.
More than 40,000 racegoers cheered Shadow Gate home, including a gaggle of Japanese journalists who had flown in for the pinnacle of the city-state's racing calendar.
The win underlines Japan's form in top international meets.
The Japanese landed a one-two at the Melbourne Cup in November, Delta Blues beating Pop Rock in Australia's richest race.
"There was a nice rhythm to the running right from the beginning to the end," grinned jockey Katsuharu Tanaka, his yellow and blue striped silks specked by sods of turf.
"I was confident going into the race but when I crossed the line I just could not believe it."
The 5-year-old horse took a wide line over most of the 2000m race, but trainer Yukihiro Kato was unconcerned.
He told reporters after the race: "We have stayed here a week already so I was confident and not concerned. I knew what the horse could do."
After an even break from the stalls, South African entry Oracle West took up the early running with Doctor Dino tucked in behind.
Shadow Gate got a decent jump from barrier No 10 and as the field turned into the back stretch, Tanaka kicked for home and left his rivals trailing.
- REUTERS
