The Heart’s Cry colt, who won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) at three, the last horse to beat Equinox, had a major setback after another graded victory in February and missed the Dubai Turf.

On his comeback in the Tenno Sho in October and the following Japan Cup in November, his regular rider Yutaka Take was unable to take the reins due to injury. Do Deuce was a bit disappointing as he finished seventh and fourth, respectively.

Do Deuce raced near the rear early as Titleholder shot out of the gate to dispute the lead with Stars On Earth (Christophe Lemaire). Titleholder eventually assumed command entering the homestretch (first round), opening the gap by more than seven lengths along the backstretch.

Do Deuce advanced along the outside approaching the third corner and was already joining the front group turning for home while still about four lengths behind the leader.

Closed down

With a furlong to go, Do Deuce, together with Stars On Earth closed down the leader with a strong late charge to get ahead and held Stars On Earth for a half-length victory.

“It’s great to comeback with Do Deuce to win this race against some really strong opponents. He was in good shape coming into this race and although the colt was a bit keen and I had to keep him in hand and maintain a good rhythm and not let him rush.

“We did have our struggles after winning the Kyoto Kinen early this year but I was determined to show his true strength and prove what he was really made of in this big race,” commented Yutaka Take to JRA reporters.

The now retiring Titleholder was caught by the top two finishers half a furlong out and he held off the fast-closing Justin Palace to finish third

Of the other high quality horses Shahryar finished fifth, Japanese Derby winner Tastiera in sixth, Win Marilyn seventh and the Japanese 2000 Guineas winner Sol Oriens in eighth.

On Wednesday the big two-year-old race, the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes went to the filly Regaleira and Christophe Lemaire.