Stars on Earth shoot past competitors in final strides to upset the first Japanese classic of the year, group 1 Oka Sho (One Thousand Japanese Guineas), the first leg of the Triple Tiara, at Hanshin Racecourse , with a shot in the blanket.
The photo shows Duramente vague, with enhanced Yuga Kawada, a better nose Water Navillerawho looks to have race in the pocket with 50 meters to go. Namura Clair placed third because less than two lengths separated the first 10 finishers, including favorites, Namur10th reporter.
It was a wild finish as the canes climbed the hill extending to the finish line with Water Navillera taking the lead and working to hold off Namura Clair. The stars on Earth got stuck behind the opponents, eventually found a narrow seam, were hit hard by the opponent in passing, and just barely got there first. She completed 1,600 meters (about 1 mile) on fine to hard grass in 1:32.90.
“I’m glad she actually got the final win,” Kawada said. “I know we caught up but it’s impossible to know who won.
“I’ve known during training that she’s a little hard to control but other than keeping that in mind, today’s plan is to stay in the middle of the pack and let her run at a comfortable pace. It’s definitely power and Her determination shined through and brought victory to us today.
“I’m looking forward to how she develops from here,” Kawada added.
Before Oka Sho, coach Mizuki Takayanagi said that the stars on Earth tend to tilt to the right and he made a change of gear to solve that problem. He also correctly assessed the need for her to complete well.
“I think she still needs more acceleration to the finish line,” said Takayanagi. “But she has talent and I hope things work out for her.”
Stars on Earth, apart from Smart Strike mare Southern star, bred by Shadai Ranch and the race for the Shadai Racehorse. Takayanagi, who came out in 2010, scored his first win in group 1.
The race is accepted as a rematch between the 2-year-old Japanese champion in 2021 Life cycle and regular rival Namur and results vie for prospects for Triple Tiara, continuing with Yushun Himba (about a mile and a half) Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1) in Tokyo next month, and ending with Shuka Sho (G1). ) over 2,000 meters (about 1/7 of a mile) at Hanshin in October.
Namur came to Oka Sho with a win in Tulip Sho (G2) on March 5, where Circle of Life came in third. Water Navillera finished fifth in Tulip Sho with traffic problems. It was her first race since finishing third in Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1), won by Circle of Life.
Stars on Earth finished second in both previous starts in 2022 – the Daily Queen’s Cup (G3) at Tokyo Racecourse and Fairy Tales (G3) in Nakayama. She didn’t cross any distances beyond 1,600 meters.
Three-year-old males won center stage on 17 April in group 1 Satsuki Sho (Two thousand Guineas of Japan) at Nakayama Racecourse, the first race in a series that included the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) May 29 at Tokyo Circuit.
