The Tokyo sun glinted off the dirt on Sunday as a familiar champion reminded the racing world why class is permanent. Katsumi Yoshida’s Costa Nova didn’t just win the February Stakes; he commanded it, successfully defending his crown in a performance defined by patience, grit, and a perfectly timed surge. Under a masterful ride from Christophe Lemaire, the six-year-old son of Lord Kanaloa found an extra gear in the dying strides to deny Wilson Tesoro by a half-length, etching his name further into the history books at Tokyo Racecourse.
A Tactical Masterclass at Tokyo
Before a sprawling crowd of over 58,000 spectators, the atmosphere was electric as the 16-horse field loaded into the gates for the mile-long test. While Sixpence dictated the early fractions along the rail, Lemaire was content to play a waiting game. Settled comfortably in 11th, Costa Nova looked every bit the seasoned professional, tracking the move of Wilson Tesoro through a steady opening half-mile.
As the field swung into the wide Tokyo home straight, the complexion of the race shifted. While the favorites scrambled for racing room, Lemaire angled Costa Nova to the outside, seeking clear air. The response was immediate. The champion accelerated past a wall of tiring horses, setting his sights on Wilson Tesoro. In the final 100 meters, the defender found the lead, crossing the wire in 1:35.4 over a standard surface. The 3-1 favorite, the mare W Heart Bond, could only manage third after a brave effort.
Historical Context and International Aspirations
This victory marks a rare feat in Japanese racing history. By winning the February Stakes for a second consecutive year, Costa Nova joins the elite company of Copano Rickey and Cafe Pharoah as the only horses to defend this prestigious dirt title. It was the eighth career win for the Tetsuya Kimura trainee, whose consistency on this surface has become his trademark.
“I am happy to have won the first Group 1 of this season with Costa Nova,” a beaming Christophe Lemaire told officials after the race. “He broke nicely and we were able to relax during the trip. I had a great response as soon as I shifted him to the outside, and from then on, he was extremely strong up to the wire.“
The implications of this win stretch far beyond Tokyo. As part of the international Challenge Series, Costa Nova has now secured an automatic starting position in the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. He joins an elite early roster for the October showpiece at Keeneland, alongside Pegasus World Cup winner Skippylongstocking and Saudi Cup hero Forever Young. With his entry fees and travel allowances covered, the path to Kentucky is now wide open for the Japanese star.
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