T O Keynes impresses in Champions Cup for Arrow Stud sire Sinister Minister

High-class colt T O Keynes came home with a striking turn of foot to post an impressive success in Japan's most important dirt race, Sunday's Champions Cup at Chukyo, and give Arrow Stud resident Sinister Minister his first top-level winner.

Settled in sixth behind the front-running white filly Sodashi, T O Keynes emerged from the pack in the final furlong to win by six length from Dubai World Cup runner-up Chuwa Wizard, with long shot Another Truth three-quarter of a length back in third.

T O Keynes is a son of Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes victor Sinister Minister - who is in turn by the top-class Old Trieste and has resided at Arrow Stud since his retirement from racing in 2008.

His son is out of the Manhattan Cafe's mare Maxim Cafe and a half-brother to winners King Imadesho and T O Lucia. Further back in the page is Japanese Oaks winner Lady Pastel.

T O Keynes won the Grade 3 Antares Stakes in April this year and also struck in a local Grade 1, the Teio Sho, in June.

Winning rider Kohei Matsuyama said: "He was so strong. When we had to wait in the stalls, he behaved very well and it's thanks to the stable staff who taught him at home."

He added of the colt, who was making it his eighth win from 15 starts: "He broke well so I could race in a good rhythm, while his response at the last turn was impressive. I'm very happy to show him off to the spectators."

Chuwa Wizard's jockey Keita Tosaki said: "His condition was better
than his previous race. Every time his response is not so good and it
was also so today. However, he ran well in the straight."

Sodashi, who was subject to plenty of attention from fans due to her pedigree and striking white coat, led for a mile but was swallowed up on the bend to finish 12th of the 16 runners.

Rider Hayato Yoshida said: "Her condition was good. After entering the course I tried not to lose her concentration. She was keen in the stalls while waiting for the start, but she broke well and her acceleration on the dirt was wonderful.

"In the straight, on the heavy dirt ground, she couldn't stay among the older males. She ran well for her first race on dirt."

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