Espoir City romps Japan Cup Dirt 2009

Espoir City romped home for a 3 1/2-length victory in the Japan Cup Dirt on Sunday afternoon. Under regular rider Tetsuo Sato, the Gold Allure colt won the 1,800-meter grade one in 1 minute 49.90 seconds on Hanshin dirt track.
Silk Mobius and Golden Ticket, both whom came off the pace, finished second and third respectively. A 1 1/4-length separated the two.

Espoir City, the 3.1 favorite in the field of 16, took over the lead from Tizway(USA) on the first turn. From there, he was never behind and galloped all the way to the winning post.

Complete finishing order:
Espoir City, Silk Mobius, Golden Ticket, Success Brocken, Admire Subaru, Wonder Acute, Meisho Tokon, Vermilion, Makoto Sparviero, Daisho Jet, Tizway(USA), La Verita(USA), Suni(USA), Wonder Speed and Marubutsu Lead

Espoir City has now won the 3rd g1 victory following the Kashima Kinen(g1) at NRA Funabashi and the Nambu Hai(g1) at NRA Morioka. Before 2009 season, he was nowhere to be seen on the grade event, but he gained four grade victories this season.
With the 133+ million jp yen first prize of the JC Dirt, his career earnings brought to 390+ million jp yen with a record of 19-9-3-1.

Espoir City, trained by A. Adachi and owned by Yushun Horse, is a 4-year-old colt out of the Brian's Time mare Eminet City. Ikuchise Bokujo(means Farm in English) was the breeder of the chestnut colt.