Daiwa Major takes Tenno Sho Autumn

The 2006 Tenno Sho Autumn was won Sunday afternoon at Tokyo in a sensational stalking style by fourth favorite Daiwa Major, who beat seventh favorite Swift Current by a 1/2-length. Admire Moon came with a late run to snatch third, a 3/4-length behind, with Cosmo Bulk another 3/4-length away fourth. Sweep Tosho, the 3.9 favorite in the field of 16, finished fifth, another 3/4-length further back.

Inti Raimi set the pace. On several lengths back, Katsumi Ando settled Daiwa Major nicely, as head of the big pack. “The pace was an ideal one to my horse.”, said Ando. Inti Raimi was still in front as the field made the final turn into the stretch, but Daiwa Major took it up while climbing up the stretch hill.

On the inside, Swift Current loomed in the picture. Norihiro Yokoyama brought him almost the same level with Daiwa Major, but Ando asked for a final effort and Daiwa Major never gave up his position, coming at the winning post in 1 minute 58.8 seconds.

All the problems Daiwa Major had was left behind and the highest honor has been given again to his connection following his Satsuki Sho win two seasons ago. His next run is likely to be the Mile Championship.