Norihiro Yokoyama's calming performance in the saddle led Gold Ship to the spring Tenno-sho title and his sixth career Grade 1 victory on Sunday.

The temperamental 6-year-old went off as the second choice behind Kizuna, crossing the post in 3 minutes, 14.7 seconds over the 3,200 meters on firm going at Kyoto Racecourse. Former Japanese Derby winner Kizuna was never in the argument, finishing seventh in a field of 17.

The Naosuke Sugai-trained Gold Ship held off Fame Game by a neck for the ¥150 million victory, followed by 10th pick Curren Mirotic in third.