Odds-on favourite Le Vent Se Leve eases to Champions Cup triumph

Odds-on favourite Le Vent Se Leve posted a straightforward two-and-a-half-length success in the Champions Cup at Chukyo under Mirco Demuro for trainer Kiyoshi Hagiwara.

Arriving on the back of wins in the Japan Dirt Derby and Mile Championship Nambu Hai, Le Vent Se Leve took the 1m1f contest, formerly known as the Japan Cup Dirt, with the minimum of fuss.

The three-year-old raced prominently towards the inside and quickened well when the gap appeared, hitting the front at the furlong pole to quickly settle matters.

Demuro said: "I didn't want to be trapped behind horses starting from an inside draw, and he broke well so we were able to sit in a nice position.

"I let him cruise at his own pace and he responded with a fantastic turn of speed when I asked him once we found an opening at the stretch. He is a colt with great potential and a bright future ahead."

Almond Eye cut for Arc after smashing track record in Japan Cup

The places were filled by Westerlund in second and Sunrise Soar in third. US raider Pavel faded to finish last.

His rider Mario Gutierrez said: "It's so different here, the wait (45 minutes from the saddling area to the starting gate) is so long. The horse lost his motivation, but racing here was an experience."

Champions Cup result

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