Take Guides 'Groove to QE II Cup on Record Day

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Japan's Admire Groove held off favored country mate Still in Love for a nose victory in Sunday's Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Cup (Jpn-I), giving jockey Yutaka Take an unprecedented third straight win in the race for fillies and mares at Kyoto Racecourse.

Take's triumph was his fifth of the day and 182nd of the year, a Japan Racing Association record.

After powering to the lead down the final straight in the 2,200-meter event by passing tiring pacesetter Osumi Haruka, the 3-year-old filly gamely prevailed over an equally determined Still in Love. France's Tigertail was third, 1 1/2 lengths behind.

Admire Groove won in a time of 2:11.8 to earn the top prize of 100 million yen.

Admire Groove, the second choice in a field of 15, paid out 360 yen win on a 100-yen wager.

Lady Pastel (JPN) was fourth, followed by Rosebud (JPN), Diamond Biko (JPN), Yamakatsu Lily (JPN), Ana Marie (FR), Osumi Haruka (JPN), Heavenly Romance (JPN), Towa Treasure (JPN), Meisho Battler (JPN), Shonan Birkin (JPN), Shinko Ruby (JPN) and Smile Tomorrow (JPN).

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