Race favorite Symboli Kris S. became the first horse to win back-to-back fall versions of the Emperor's Cup, as the American-bred champion four-year-old son of Kris S., in the words of jockey Olivier Peslier, "flew" to a record win of the prestigious race Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse.
Symboli Kris S., voted Horse of the Year in 2002 after wins of the fall Emperor's Cup and the Arima Memorial, easily overcame an outside draw to top the field of 18 with a time of 1:58:0 over the 2,000 meters of fast turf.
Fourth pick Tsurumaru Boy finished a length and a half behind the winner in second place.
Olivier Peslier, aboard Symboli Kris S., moved smoothly inward from the No. 18 gate to two widths off the rail, where he was able to hold his mount steady.
Symboli Kris S., though, was eager to run.
"He wanted to go so I put him behind a couple others," Peslier said. Symboli Kris S. was bred by owner Takahiro Wada in the U.S..