2009 Japan Derby
TOKYO, May 31 (Reuters) - Logi Universe emerged on top in a family battle by stunning hot favourite Unrivaled to take victory in a wet Japan Derby on Sunday.
Logi Universe made amends after slumping to 14th behind winner Unrivaled at last month's Satsuki-sho in the first leg of the Japanese triple crown with a superb race in rain-swept Tokyo.
Unrivaled, like Logi Universe sired by former Derby and Satsuki-sho winner Neo Universe, never threatened and finished a distant 12th to the dismay of a crowd of 93,000.
Ridden by Norihiro Yokoyama, Logi Universe won the 2,400 metre race in two minutes 33.7 seconds, finishing four lengths clear of runner-up Reach the Crown.
Antonio Barows was third after a neck-and-neck fight for second behind Logi Universe.
"I still feel pretty numb," a mud-spattered Yokoyama told reporters after turning the tables on Unrivaled and top jockey Yasunari Iwata in the $3.5 million Derby.
"I thought after what happened in the Satsuki-sho I'd never be in this position. The conditions were bad but I was desperate to win."
It was Yokoyama's first Derby victory in 15 attempts.
"I just tried to keep the horse in a good rhythm and he dug deep to stay in front," said the 41-year-old. "It's a big win for me."
Iwata could barely conceal his shock at runaway favourite Unrivaled's flop.
"I thought we could still come out on top despite the difficult conditions," he said. "But no matter how I tried to push the horse it was hopeless today."
This article was taken from The Gaurdian UK(Reporting by Alastair Himmer; Editing by Miles Evans: To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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