THE FAST LANE TO VICTORY

By Graham Potter | Sunday, December 11, 2022

Jockey Damian Lane and his Japanese connection have become a powerful dual force in international racing and that relationship again produced another magical moment in the Australian rider’s career when the Takahisa Tezuka trained Win Marilyn claimed glory in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Vase over 2400m.

It was the first Longines Hong Kong International Raceday Group 1 win for both Lane and Tezuka.

Win Marilyn jumped well, but Lane was happy to ease back and settle into a comfortable fifth place as the field left the straight for the first time. Then it was back to sixth place for Win Marilyn as Senor Toba took the field down the back straight ... only setting a moderate pace ... with Win Marilyn four to five lengths off the lead.

Then Win Marilyn was back to seventh ... then eighth ... then ninth and last, and three wide, in the sweep to the home turn but, importantly, effectively Win Marilyn was only losing position ... not ground ... as Lane still had his mount racing those four to five lengths back.

Coming to the corner, Win Marilyn was all of six wide ... but in clear galloping room ... and Lane’s patient approach earlier was about to pay dividends as Win Marilyn straightened full of running.

Lane just gave Win Marilyn a couple of strides to balance up fully early in the straight before setting the Takahisa Tezuka trained chestnut mare about her business and she accelerated on cue, producing a strong, sustained finishing effort which carried her past every one of her rivals without any undue fuss, to win by a clearcut 1.50 lengths.

Botanik (William Buick) and Glory Vase (Joao Moreira) finished second and third respectively.

Lane’s previous best in six LONGINES Hong Kong International Race rides was third aboard Salios in the 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m).

“There was a little sense of relief I suppose. I’ve had a few goes here with no success,” Lane said afterwards. It’s just a privilege to be part of Japanese racing and to get on these horses and great to be a part of it.”

Lane, who won the Cox Plate Plate aboard Lys Gracieux for Japan, has also recorded five Grade 1 victories in Japan itself and this win in Hong Kong was a special addition to an honour roll which further enhances Lane’s burgeoning international reputation.

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