Joao Moreira is still in the running to repeat his 2015 victory in the World All-Star Jockeys series, but only just, after finishing winless in the contest’s opening day (Saturday, 27 August) at Sapporo racecourse, Japan. Hong Kong’s champion jockey has 16 points at the half-way stage, 24 points behind the competition’s half-way leaders Mirco Demuro and Yutaka Take, each with 40 points in the board.
But with 30 points for a win and 20 points for a second place there is still all to play for and Moreira will be hoping to secure maximum points tomorrow atop his two mounts, Magic Shuttle and Hatsugatsuo.
Late call-up Yasunari Iwata struck in the four-race competition’s first event aboard Takeru Ramses, with Moreira fourth (12 points) atop Derma Sallie Chan.
The Brazilian ace, attempting to repeat his 2015 victory, was out of the frame but nicked four points in race two when partnering Sakura Bold to finish eighth. Mirco Demuro took maximum points for the win in that 2000m heat, achieved in tandem with Festive Yell as Yutaka Take claimed his second runner-up finish atop Win Phoenix, having filled the same berth aboard Agrippa Bio in the opener.
In the team contest, the JRA Team leads Moreira’s World All-Star Team with 146 points to 78 points.
Moreira did enjoy success on the regular card, bookending the day with victories on Hashiru Kiseki and Sakura Empire, respectively.
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Photo 1:
Joao Moreira makes his appearance at Sapporo racecourse.
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Photo 2:
Moreira steers Sakura Empire to victory in the final race of today��s meeting at Sapporo.
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