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http://www.dubairacingclub.com/dubaiworldcup/index.php?page_id=314&post=593

Vermilion and Viva Pataca stake DWC meeting claims
Japan’s recent fine record at the Dubai World Cup meeting may be about to get even better after the dominating display by Vermilion in today’s Group 1 February Stakes in Tokyo.
After 2006 wins in the Godolphin Mile and Dubai Sheema Classic with Utopia and Heart’s Cry, and the Dubai Duty Free with Admire Moon last year, Vermilion will now attempt to improve on his fourth to Invasor last year in the US$6,000,000 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates.
Shunsuke Yoshida, CEO for Sunday Racing, the syndicate that owns the horse, said: “Vermilion will head to Dubai for his second attempt on the Dubai World Cup and I believe that the horse is superior to what he was 12 months ago.”
His warning is backed up by the horse being unbeaten in four runs since the world’s richest race, including wins in the Group 1 Japan Cup Dirt and the February Stakes.
Ridden by Japanese champion rider Yutaka Take, Vermilion sat wide throughout after drawing one from the outside but traveled easily to the lead shortly after straightening, and while challenged briefly, he let down to race away and win easily.
Blue Concorde, second in the race last year, ran on well to fill the same position, but was never a threat, while Wild Wonder continued his improvement to finish third.
Leading owner Riichi Kondo also wants to defend his Dubai Duty Free crown, which he won with Admire Moon last year, announcing that Admire Aura would head to Dubai after the horse’s success in the Group 2 Kyoto Kinen on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Viva Pataca routed his Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (Gr.1-2000m) rivals to underline his credentials as a leading contender for the Dubai Sheema Classic, sponsored by Nakheel, at the end of next month.
"He's right on target for Dubai," trainer John Moore declared of the horse he says is the greatest he has handled in over 20 years and almost 1,000 winners as a Hong Kong trainer.
"The task now is to hold him at this level of form. If we can do that he will have a good chance in the Dubai Sheema Classic," he added.
"I don't think he beat anything really great today, but I was very impressed with how he did it. He will meet a much stronger field in Dubai but we go there confident of giving it a good shake."
Jockey Darren Beadman said: "He switched off well and went through the gears very quickly when I asked him and he's won with plenty of authority in the end. It was pretty thrilling.
"The further he goes, the better he gets, so the mile and a half (2400m) in Dubai should suit him down to the ground."
Viva Pataca is due to depart for Dubai on March 18 for the US$5m Dubai Sheema Classic, won last year by the recently retired Hong Kong star Vengeance Of Rain who took this second leg of the Citi Triple Crown immediately prior.