A flashy son of Satono Aladdin, Tokyo Tycoon maintained his unbeaten record when storming home to win the $1,000,000 Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO SW 1200m. In doing so, he became Te Akau’s 7th consecutive Karaka 2YO Million winner.
After winning a trial in November 2023, Tokyo Tycoon debuted at Te Rapa in winning fashion in December 2022. Ridden by Michael McNab in a 2YO Maiden 1100m, it was a brave effort after being interfered with shortly after the jump, and taking the home turn awkwardly – obviously still learning his ring-craft.
He repeated that feat at Pukekohe Park on Boxing Day 2022 when he showed his class and potential with a decisive victory in a 2YO SW+P 1100m, ridden by stable jockey Opie Bosson.
The two wins from two starts saw him with sufficient ‘money in the bank’ to contest the Karaka Million 2YO on 21 January 2023. Returning to the scene of his previous victory, a near disaster unfolded in front of our eyes.
Sent out favourite asa the tote closed, Tokyo Tycoon was contacted shortly after the start then blundered badly, losing ground and settling a clear-cut last. He was still last as they turned for home but the sheer class of rider Craig Zackey, and professionalism of the horse himself, saw Zackey take the initiate and angle out six wide at the 300m. The gelding responded and stormed home powerfully to claim line hours.
Again the favourite for the $80,000 Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper 1200m, Craig Zackey piloted an almost identical race on 25 February 2023 with the gelding coming from back in the field and winning dominantly – taking his record to four starts, four wins.
Tokyo Tycoon became the 10th Matamata Slipper winner for Te Akau. This victory sees him unbeaten in four 2YO starts.
Unfortunately Tokyo Tycoon was disqualified from his Group 1 Sistema Stakes victory in March 2023 – which would have taken him to five wins from five starts and seen him unbeaten in his 2YO season.
Tokyo Tycoon’s return to the races as a 3YO came in fine fashion on 9 September at the first day of the Hastings’ carnival when a decisive winner of the $90,000 Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy 3YO SW over 1200m. In the hands of Opie Bosson, he drew the widest gate and after travelling four wide at the corner, he pounced, drew clear and was too good claiming victory by 2.5 lengths.
The very next evening, Tokyo Tycoon was resoundingly voted 2022/23 Champion 2YO of the Year at the NZTR Horse of the Year awards. He became Te Akau’s 11th Champion 2YO honouree.
Tokyo Tycoon is raced by the Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and the Satono Samurai Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $125,000 from the Karaka Book 1 Sale.
He has raced six times for five wins, earning $699,775 in prize money.