'He has plenty of ability' - Do Deuce is too strong in the Asahi Hai Futurity

Heart's Cry colt Do Deuce came out on top of a protracted duel with hot favourite Serifos when winning the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes, a race with a roll of honour that includes the top-class Danon Premium and Admire Mars in recent years.

The Northern Farm-bred colt was settled in midfield before hitting the front five-wide on the final turn. He ultimately prevailed when beating the previously unbeaten Serifos in the final half a furlong by a half of a length, with fourth favourite Danon Scorpion another half a length back in third.

The unbeaten Do Deuce is out of American dirt Grade 2-winning mare Dust And Diamond, who was purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for $1,000,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November Mares and Foals Sale. The daughter of Vindication has also produced the American Grade 3-placed Much Better.

Take, who landed his first Grade 1 since World Premiere's Kikuka Sho success in 2019, said: "He's not a difficult horse so I could get him into a good rhythm and position in the race. At the top of the straight he responded well so I asked him to hit the front, even though the favourites looked very hard to beat.

"I am very happy because it's been a long time since I've won a Grade 1. When I rode him for the first time I felt he had plenty of ability and he's been getting stronger race by race."

On future targets, he added: "I'm confident that he will strengthen up next year with an eye to the Classics, but I am looking forward to the Hopeful Stakes - which I would like to win - and the Arima Kinen too."

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