FUNABASHI, Chiba Pref. — This year's stars failed to shine in the year-end wrapup Arima Kinen, embarrassingly eclipsed by Matsurida Gogh, a dark horse that had yet to win a top-level race.
Matsurida Gogh, a far ninth choice in the 2,500-meter Arima, got a dream ride under Masayoshi Ebina to claim victory by a length and a quarter, while top picks Meisho Samson, Vodka and Pop Rock all missed the money.
Pop Rock, race third pick, was the only one of the top three picks to make the board, more than four lengths off the winner in fifth.