For more English coverage of Japanese racing, explore our archive: Japan Racing News – AI Shisan Lab.
Race Overview
The 61st running of the CBC Sho (GIII) took place on August 10, 2025, at Chukyo Racecourse over 1200 meters of firm turf. As the fourth leg of Japan’s Summer Sprint Series, the race routinely attracts pacey types with Group ambitions. Seventeen went to post after the late withdrawal of Karibol, setting the stage for a truly run sprint under pristine conditions—clear skies, quick ground, and only a light headwind on the backstretch.
Expectations of a fast clocking were justified by the make‑up of the field: established turf speedsters clashed with dirt‑honed front‑runners bringing raw pace to grass. Invincible Papa, who had recently hinted at turf upside following a productive dirt career, stood out as a live danger if he could use his gate speed from a wide draw. With Summer Sprint Series points on offer, tactics and positioning were always likely to be decisive.
How the Race Unfolded
Jumping from the extreme outside in gate 17, Invincible Papa broke sharply and was immediately sent forward by Daisuke Sasaki to avoid being posted wide. He crossed to the rail within the first furlong and clicked through the opening 600 meters in a crisp 34.0 seconds—assertive without becoming a burn‑up. Mid‑race, Sasaki executed the key maneuver of the day: he nursed the pace just enough to keep his mount relaxed while still forcing the field to chase.
Behind the leader, 1st favorite June Blair traveled sweetly but met traffic approaching the third corner, losing rhythm at a critical juncture. Strauss, meanwhile, was anchored near the rear, saving his turn of foot. In the lane, June Blair launched down the outside and Strauss threaded through with a rattling late bid, but Invincible Papa changed leads cleanly at the 200‑meter pole and kept finding. The line came half a length to the good over June Blair, with Strauss a further neck away—stopping the clock at a slick 1:07.4 that reflected both pace efficiency and grit.
Key Performances
Invincible Papa (1st): Only his second turf start after a five‑win dirt résumé, yet he looked a natural on firm ground. The wide draw became an asset thanks to his jump‑and‑run style, and his balance around Chukyo’s left‑handed turns was a standout feature. The win doubles as a proof‑of‑concept: his dirt pace translates to grass, and he can ration it under pressure.
June Blair (2nd): The favorite’s effort was better than the result. The brief squeeze near the third corner cost momentum that is hard to reclaim over six furlongs. He still closed strongly, suggesting a win is imminent with a cleaner trip.
Strauss (3rd): From 13th at the final bend to a closing third, he produced the day’s eyecatcher. The finishing punch screams versatility between 1200–1400m; keep him on your follow list when the set‑up promises pace up front.
Quotes from the Connections
Daisuke Sasaki (Invincible Papa’s jockey): “He broke too well to restrain; once in front, I focused on relaxing him mid‑race. He handled the left‑handed turns beautifully and kept responding when the pressure came.”
Daishi Ito (trainer): “We always felt a left‑handed course would suit. Today’s ride was spot‑on and opens doors—he’s earned a look at bigger targets.”
Yutaka Take (June Blair’s jockey): “We got tightened up near the third corner—unfortunate in a short race. He still finished well; there’s more to come.”
Race Results (Top 5)
- Invincible Papa — 1:07.4 (5th favorite)
- June Blair — +0.5L (1st favorite)
- Strauss — +0.7L (4th favorite)
- Drop of Light — +1.2L (3rd favorite)
- Culture Day — +1.4L (6th favorite)
Analysis & What’s Next
This was a clinic in turning a wide gate into positional advantage. By seizing the rail early and controlling fractions, Invincible Papa deprived closers of a meltdown while saving enough for the last 200 meters. With back‑to‑back graded wins for Sasaki across the weekend, the pair now look like a force across the summer sprint circuit.
Logical targets include the Centaur Stakes and, depending on how he comes out of the race, potential international sprints where tactical speed is gold. June Blair needs only a cleaner trip to convert, while Strauss shapes like a major player when the pace profile promises a collapse—or when stretching to a stiff 1200m/1400m.
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