The Japan Racing Association’s metropolitan circuit hosted a comprehensive 12-race programme at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, 22 February, presenting a carefully tiered schedule that ranged from developing contests to elite-level competition. The meeting demonstrated the calibre of both emerging performers and established Grade 1 contenders across a methodically conducted afternoon.
The opening contest set an assured tone for the afternoon, as ATOMIC BREATH secured Race 1 in 1:26.2. Ridden by Rachel King, trained by Yukihiro Kato and owned by Aegis Co. Ltd., the winner travelled prominently before quickening with control inside the final furlong to register a polished success.
Stamina was required in the second event, where BASCULE claimed Race 2 in 2:14.0. Christophe Lemaire partnered the Toru Hayashi-trained runner for Sunday Racing Co. Ltd., maintaining a measured rhythm throughout before asserting decisively in the straight.
A smoothly run third contest culminated in ROSE BOUQUET taking Race 3 in 1:27.6. Takeshi Yokoyama guided the Nobuhiro Suzuki-trained filly, owned by Turf Sport Co. Ltd., producing a balanced effort and an efficient turn of foot when called upon.
Momentum continued into the fourth event, with MEINER GREAT capturing Race 4 in 1:47.7. Under Kiwamu Ogino, for trainer Yuichi Shikato and owner Thoroughbred Club Ruffian Co. Ltd., the winner advanced steadily from midfield and sustained a consistent gallop to the line.
The pace sharpened in the fifth contest as GO LUCKY secured Race 5 in 1:33.2. Christophe Lemaire recorded another victory for trainer Yoichi Kuroiwa and owner Kazumi Yoshida, the gelding settling comfortably before accelerating with precision in the closing stages.
Consistency was again evident in the sixth race, where CHANSON D’OR claimed Race 6 in 1:46.1. Lemaire completed a treble for trainer Takeshi Okumura and owner Carrot Farm Co. Ltd., delivering a tactically astute ride that balanced patience with timely progress.
Middle-distance emphasis defined the seventh event, and ACADEMIA prevailed in Race 7 with a time of 2:11.9. Ryusei Sakai rode for trainer Haruki Sugiyama and owner Hideko Kondo, conserving energy early before lengthening stride effectively in the final stages.
Speed returned to prominence in the eighth contest, where PIKO ROSE secured Race 8 in 1:20.9. Kosei Miura partnered the Daishi Ito-trained runner for owner Takafumi Ishibe, establishing a forward position and sustaining momentum to repel challengers.
Race 9 featured Listed company, as LUCKY KID captured the Listed Hyacinth Stakes in 1:36.7. Mirai Iwata rode for trainer Yukihiro Kato and owner Godolphin, positioning the colt prominently before asserting superiority in the closing stages.
Prestige framed the tenth contest, The Japan Cup 2025 Longines World’s Best Race Award Memorial, where SAKURA FARREL claimed Race 10 in 1:58.6. Rachel King recorded her second success of the meeting for trainer Noriyuki Hori and owner Sakura Commerce Co. Ltd., delivering a fluent and controlled performance from a prominent position.
The principal championship event of the afternoon, the Grade 1 February Stakes, concluded with COSTA NOVA taking Race 11 in 1:35.4. Christophe Lemaire partnered the Tetsuya Kimura-trained runner for owner Katsumi Yoshida, asserting class in the decisive stages of the contest to secure a high-calibre victory.
The programme concluded with the Oshima Tokubetsu, where ASK I’LL BE THERE captured Race 12 in 1:24.2. Ryusei Sakai guided the Yoshito Yahagi-trained runner for Hirosaki Toshihiro HD Co. Ltd., advancing purposefully in the straight to bring the afternoon to a controlled conclusion.
The Tokyo Race Results 22 February highlighted the efficiency of established jockey-trainer combinations and reaffirmed the competitive standard synonymous with racing at the capital venue.
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