Costa Nova and Lemaire Win Back-to-Back February Stakes in Blinkers at Tokyo

Christophe Lemaire guides Costa Nova to a repeat triumph in the G1 February Stakes over 1600 meters of dirt at Tokyo Racecourse, the first dirt Grade 1 of the Japanese season, on February 22, 2026. Costa Nova produces a late surge after the application of blinkers for the first time and crosses the line ahead of Wilson Tesoro and W.

Trainer Tetsuya Kimura introduced the blinkers specifically for this February Stakes assignment at Tokyo, and the equipment change delivers an immediate effect as Costa Nova powers through the stretch. The win marks a second straight February Stakes victory for Costa Nova, underscoring consistency at the 1600m dirt trip under Lemaire’s steering.

The February Stakes is the early-season marquee dirt test in Japan, and this edition at Tokyo Racecourse confirms Costa Nova’s standing among the division’s leading milers. Christophe Lemaire’s ride timed the move to perfection on the inside, producing the decisive finishing kick that separated Costa Nova from Wilson Tesoro and the rest of the field in the final furlongs.

Kimura’s decision to send Costa Nova back to back into the same Grade 1 paid off at Tokyo, where the 1600m dirt configuration often favors tactical speed and a strong finishing burst. The successful blinkers debut reshapes how connections can deploy equipment for future campaigns, with Costa Nova now carrying consecutive February Stakes laurels into the remainder of the 2026 season.

The outcome also keeps Christophe Lemaire prominent in early-season Grade 1 results at Tokyo, pairing his tactical experience with Costa Nova’s renewed focus over the dirt mile. With the February Stakes designation as the first dirt G1 of the Japanese calendar, this victory provides momentum and a clear headline for owner and trainer as they map out racing targets for the rest of the year.

Costa Nova’s back-to-back wins at Tokyo on February 22, 2026, deliver an emphatic statement for the Kimura-Lemaire partnership in dirt racing, and the first-time blinkers will be a specific detail rivals and handicappers will scrutinize in upcoming starts.