Last year's Japanese Derby hero Do Deuce returns to winning ways ahead of Dubai tilt

Last year's Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner Do Deuce returned to winning ways with an emphatic success in the Kyoto Kinen, a Grade 2 contest that will likely be followed by a run in the Dubai Turf at Meydan next month trainer Yasuo Tomomichi confirmed. 

The Northern Farm-bred four-year-old was sent off the 6-4 favourite to make it five wins from nine starts and, as expected, came home three and a half lengths clear of the second-placed Matenro Leo, completing a one-two for sire Heart's Cry in the process. A neck behind in third was Deep Impact's 2022 Grade 2 Aoba Sho winner Pradaria. 

Do Deuce is the sixth foal out of the Grade 2-winning Vindication mare Dust And Diamonds, also second in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for Steven Asmussen, and a half-brother to winners including the American Grade 3-placed Much Better.

Winning rider Yutaka Take said: "He was in very good condition today, the team know him inside and out, so he could get here fit and well. I thought it would be better not to rush in the first part of the race.

"I'm glad he won well today and I get a really good response from him. He won the Derby last year, so it was good for him to return to winning ways."

The Kieffers Co Ltd-owned Do Deuce holds entries in both the Dubai Turf and Sheema Classic, although Tomomichi confirmed he was likely to take part in the former.

Also on Sunday, the Grade 3 Kyodo News Hai (Tokinominoru Kinen) at Tokyo, that is known as the most important prep race for the Japanese Derby on May 28, went to Phantom Thief, who prevailed by a length and a quarter from Touch Wood, with the favourite Danon The Tiger a neck back in third.

Ridden by Christophe Lemaire, Harbinger's son out of Medaglia D'Oro's daughter Lupin was winning for the third time in four starts for the Turfight Club Co. Ltd and trainer Masayuki Nishimura.

Phantom Thief wins the Tokinominoru Kinen at Tokyo on SundayCredit: Masakazu Takahashi'

Lemaire said: "He lengthened stride for a long time in the straight, and he has enough stamina so he didn't stop until the finish. I rode him first time but I knew his start was no good in he previous race, so I was careful about the start. He has ability, is easy to ride and has a clean body, so he can be at a higher level."

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