Back on March 25th, Two Phil's stormed Turfway Park, demolishing his opponents on the All Weather Surface in the Jeff Ruby Stakes.
Across the seas on the very same day, the titan named Equinox smashed the Sheema Classic in Dubai, breaking the track record against the top turf competitors coming from across the globe.
In a sensational repeat of history, exactly three months to the day, the two took to the stage yet again. Two Phil's showed us all just who is boss of the 3 year old division here in the United States with an easy demolition in the Ohio Derby. Meanwhile, stretching 6800 miles away in Hanshin, Japan, the classy Equinox showed us why he is still the undisputed Champ of the Turf in the World.
Becoming used to the fact and with too many to mention, an unfortunate turn of events has occurred yet again. Two Phil's is now unable to race for the rest of the year due to an ankle injury. The unbearable amount of highly talented colts with this same fate transpiring year after year is so disheartening. We can only wish for his full recovery and look forward to his return as a 4 year old. Isn't it always the way? In reality, most likely Two Phil's will be retired to stud after recovery. Either way, the waiting game begins again.
Derby 148 ended with arguably the best on the field having to settle for second with Epicenter and the same could be said of Two Phil's as well for Derby 149. History repeats itself with both distinction and unfortunately, also with heartache.
On to Equinox.
The 2023 Breeders Cup weekend on November 3rd and 4th at Santa Anita Race Track will inevitably be invaded by the strongest overseas brigade we've seen so far. From Auguste Rodin to Ayadar to Mostahdaf to Through Seven Seas, there is only one who stands as the biggest attraction of them all.
Equinox. Could he possibly make the trip?
The number one rated horse on Longines World's Best list headlined the Takarazuka Kinen and did not disappoint. Run at 2200 meters (approx. 11f) with a $3,628,000 dollar total purse and $1,680,000 slated for the winner, Equinox completely changed his front running style from the Sheema and blasted from the rear this time around.
Christophe Lemaire took the striking horse back to second last from Post 5 and then swept the "Honor Code look-alike" 9 wide around the final turn. As if wanting the crowd to have an unimpeded view of his dominating late performance, Equinox powered home with his last 4f in 47.4 jetting down the middle of the track.
EQUINOX - Post #5
For perspective on just how masterful Equinox truly is, he annihilated the 2023 Prince of Wales winner, Mostahdaf, in the Sheema Classic by 7 lengths last out. Mostahdaf came back to win over the highly regarded Luxemburg and Ayadar at Royal Ascot this past week.
Now with an open invitation to compete in Australia's 5 million dollar Ladbroke's Cox Plate, which is run almost simultaneously with the Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita this year, we shall all have to wait and see where the great horse is eventually booked. He has a free ticket into the Longines Breeders Cup Turf as well. May the best country be blessed with his presence.
RARE FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT ABOARD EQUINOX, Christophe Lemaire:
EQUINOX
Kitasan Black - Chateau Blanche (King Halo)
DP = 2-0-4-0-0 (6) DI = 2.00 CD = 0.67
Mare Profile = 5-3-2-13-3 Speed = 8 Stamina = 16 Index = 0.71 Triads = 10-18-18
Equinox has now posted wins on five separate racetracks and competed against 115 foes in 8 races to date. He has captured wins from 9f to 12.5f with a wide variety of running styles. He has broken the Sheema track record. He has excelled against some of the best horses in the world from numerous countries.
The Pride of Japan was selected to run in the Takarazuka Kinen by fan vote. Of course, he garnered the most votes ever cast.
Loyal patrons camped out for days to gain their spot within the gates to watch him run.
The line of fans that wound its way through the complex at Hanshin Racecourse for the Gift Shop proved to be a 3.5 hour wait, but that did not deter Equinox's loyal brigade in their search for a small piece of him with a souvenir.
The power of this horse runs much deeper than posted wins. It is the impact he has that spans the globe. He is the type of Mega-Star that keeps this sport alive. We can only hope that his connections choose the United States over Australia this coming Fall.
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