Second-favorite Titleholder stormed down the home straight Sunday to win the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse.
With jockey Kazuo Yokoyama in the saddle, the 4-year-old colt finished the 2,200-meter race two lengths ahead of fifth-favorite Hishi Iguazu, with fourth-favorite Daring Tact crossing a further two lengths back in third.
The winner of both his previous starts this year, including last month's 3,200-meter Spring Tenno-sho on the same track, Titleholder jumped out of the gate quickly and stayed in close pursuit of the early leader, sixth-favorite Panthalassa.
Making his move coming around the final bend, Titleholder took the lead at the start of the straight and left the star-studded field in his wake as he claimed his third Grade One crown, all coming over turf at Hanshin.