Croix du Nord Tops Takarazuka Kinen Fan Poll

The Japan Racing Association announced May 28 the fan voting results for the Takarazuka Kinen (G1T), held June 14 at Hanshin Racecourse. Boasting a massive total purse of ¥651 million (approximately US$4.06 million), the prestigious race features Croix du Nord (JPN) at the top of the ballot with a record-breaking 366,039 votes, shattering the previous record of 238,367 set by Do Deuce (JPN) in 2024. Croix du Nord, winner of the Japanese Derby (G1) and Prix du Prince d'Orange (G3) in 2025, turned down the invitation to the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) in March, as the connections decided to keep him in Japan this year. He won the Osaka Hai (G1) at Hanshin April 5 and the Tenno Sho Spring (G1) at Kyoto May 3. Croix du Nord will attempt to complete the hat trick of three major grade 1s for older horses in the spring, known as the Japan Spring Triple Crown, which has never been achieved. His sire, Kitasan Black (JPN), was well beaten in the Takarazuka Kinen after winning Osaka Hai and Tenno Sho Spring (G1T) comfortably in 2017. The field features one of the most exciting renewals of the Takarazuka Kinen in many years, as five of the top 6 horses in the voting table are intended runners, namely Croix du Nord, Meisho Tabaru, Regaleira, Museum Mile, and Danon Decile (JPN). Masequerade Ball (JPN), who finished third in the voting, will miss the race, as he is being pointed to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot July 25, where he will meet Calandagan (IRE) for a second time.