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Back-to-back wins in the race and the fourth Grade 1 victory for the daughter of Bago.

The Takashi Saito-trained Chrono Genesis (5 m Bago - Chronologist by Kurofune) successfully defended her Takarazuka Kinen (Gr 1, 2200m) crown at Hanshin on Sunday, her fourth victory at Grade One level. 

The five-year-old mare was ridden by Christophe Lemaire and settled just behind the front runners. She was too strong in the closing stages and pulled clear of Unicorn Lion (No Nay Never), to record a two and a half length victory. Lei Papale (Deep Impact) suffered the first defeat of her career and finished another neck away in third. 

"The mare was in very good condition and looked great at the paddock," said Lemaire. "We were able to race in a good position behind Lei Papale. She stretched really well and was able to run the last 200 meters easily. 

Lemaire took the ride for regular jockey, Yuichi Kitamura, who was unable to ride her due to an injury from falling off a horse.

Bred by Northern Racing and raced by Sunday Racing Company Limited, Chrono Genesis, who was last seen finishing second to Mishriff (Make Believe) in the Sheema Classic (Gr 1, 2400m), has now won eight of her 15 career starts. She is one of eight winners out of Chronologist (Kurofune) who has also produced dual Group 1 winner Normcore (Harbinger). 

Her sire, Bago (Nashwan), stands at Shizunai Stallion Station in Japan.