Shonan Pandora edges another home win in Longines Japan Cup

The four-year-old daughter of champion Deep Impact stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time to become the seventh filly to win Japan’s biggest international race.

The success also ensured a maiden victory in the race for trainer Tomokazu Takano and jockey Kenichi Ikezoe.

Shonan Pandora had never won outside of Grade 2 level, but she came good with a sustained run that took her past Last Impact in the last 50 metres, after Moore had appeared likely to take the spoils when he headed Lovely Day 150 metres from the line.

There were two necks between the first three, as the European four-strong party failed to figure prominently at any stage with Trip To Paris finishing towards the rear after sitting way off the pace early on. Erupt, the winner of the Grand Prix de Paris winner and fifth-placed in the Arc de L’Triomphe came out best in sixth.

As the gates opened to a crescendo of noise from the huge crowds, it was Curren Mirotic who blasted off in front, setting a furious pace that had the field well strung out.

Swinging for home, Shonan Pandora was caught in a pocket as the trailblazer’s lead came under threat with Lovely Day looking a big danger 400 metres out.

The favourite took over the lead shortly after but Moore, who took Last Impact to the far rail, found top gear and held the lead in the final strides before the winner, who followed Lovely Day through when the gap appeared, conjured a late burst to snatch the spoils.

The first 15 horses were covered by a fraction over four and a half lengths with the Ed Dunlop-trained Trip To Paris finishing in 14th.

Shonan Pandora’s owner, breeder, trainer, jockey and stable staff members were awarded with elegant Longines watches by Mr. Walter von Känel, President of Longines, and Andre Agassi, Longines Ambassador of Elegance.