Arima Kinen (G1) - ORFEVRE

Pinkline Jones
2013 December 22 11:07:08 
Champion Orfevre expected to win his second Arima Kinen (G1) later today. Japan's best horse over the last few seasons and clearly the world's premier turf horse at times, Orfevre has been one interesting galloper; capable of producing the most stunning finishes but alas, frustratingly also capable of suffering mind wander and losing races he should have won.

An awful pity Orfevre wasn't able to add the 2012 Arc De Triomphe to his Resume, after producing a remarkable run from the outside gate; one of his crazy races. Orfevre produced another top class effort when second behind star filly Treve in this year's edition, where both his trainer and jockey were quick to acknowledge a stunning run by the victor.

However, it is starkly evident that The Arc continues on with a definite weights bias problem. We've seen just far too many superior horses lose out to inferior three-year-olds.

Having said that, Orfevre, didn't explode in the straight in the way many thought he would, indicating that his capability had definitely diminished from the previous year. Still, to be a dual Arc runner-up is testament to his quality.

Great to see Ikezoe on board for today's prestigious assignment - the jock has had a rough deal at times. His mount is drawn well though and the fans hope he can put it all together and cap a great career.

Huge respect for outstanding Gold Ship, which had a shocker in the Japan Cup but a fresh Orfevre should be able to kick away over the last furlong. The classy Win Variation for third.

PINKLINE SELECTS

1. ORFEVRE
2. GOLD SHIP
3. WIN VARIATION

PINKLINE JONES CBE
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3 Comments

tigerrish

2013 December 23 13:18:24

"By just how far would Treve have won the race then?"





I'm guessing about the same margin that Solemia beat Orfevre in the Japan Cup last year after beating him in the Arc.

Pinkline Jones

2013 December 23 20:34:40

Pay that one Tiggs :)

Yes one weight-biased romp doesn't make a career. However, it does seem evident that Treve shapes as an exciting prospect. Will be most interesting to track her progress next season. Another filly, Danedream, also won The Arc by a street but didn't scrub up in the same vein as an older galloper. Don't think any horse would have been beating Orfevre yesterday, especially on his home soil, and in the form he displayed. Simply amazing.

PINKLINE JONES CBE

Whips

2013 December 24 16:03:21

No-one genuine doubted Orfevre is the best around.

The ground beat him twice in the Arc not the opposition.

Treve didn't go to Japan and reciprocate because not good enough. That was a glaring sign of its restricted ability.

Tiger summed it up to a tee.

marbine

2013 December 25 00:35:08

Indeed WS, my bad.

marbine

2013 December 24 11:49:55

The easiest Japan Cup win I've seen since Tap Dance City.

How does Treve go running on roads?

Weight Special

2013 December 24 12:05:24

Marbine, it wasnt the Japan Cup.

kidlat

2013 December 23 00:43:13

Terrific win. But does anyone else find the camera work on those Japanese races baffling? The split screens, the panning shots. Surely it's not that complicated.

Petersham Boy

2013 December 23 08:09:04

By just how far would Treve have won the race then?

The Shu

2013 December 22 17:49:00

Well done Pinky - hope you got a piece of the trifecta.

Orfevre was sensational and the reception he got returning to scale was , well impossible to describe. It would have been amazing to be present.

Gold Ship was a much improved run after such a lacklustre effort in the Japan Cup.

Pinkline Jones

2013 December 22 22:30:30

Thanks The Shu. And yes indeed, what a sensational performance. Talking about saving one's best for last. Ikezoe must have realised this one was one was all over from the 1000m, with the flashing move he made from the 800m. Suggests that we may not have seen Orfevre at its top in this year's Arc. Today's triumph marks one of the most commanding seen in a modern day G1. Eight lengths! Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvj1bB4ayT4

PINKLINE JONES CBE

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