There are plenty of options in the May 19 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oak-G1) at Tokyo Racecourse, starting at Stellenboschwinner of the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas-G1).
The Epiphany The filly, winner of three of five races and never worse than second place, overcame a slow start and a wide stretch to win the Oka Sho on April 7 at Hanshin Racecourse in the first start of 2024.
However, that race took place at a distance of 1,600 meters (about 1 mile). Stellenbosch tackled the 2,400 meters (1 1/2 miles) for the first time and will need to show more endurance as he charges into the uphill section at the Tokyo circuit.
Trainer Sakae Kunieda said he is confident that his horse has enough energy to get the job done.
“I always thought a race over a longer distance would suit her,” Kunieda said after Stellenbosch passed gate 7 on field 18. “I don’t have to worry about anything with her. She comes from Epiphaneia, so she is quite comfortable and with the Tokyo race this time, where she won, I expect her to do well again.”
Keita Tosaki takes over riding duties from Joao Moreira, who rode Stellenbosch in the Guineas. Tosaki said he got used to the filly’s running style during training and found her an easy partner.
“I don’t think the distance of the race is an issue and I can decide tactically from how she starts, because I think the draw doesn’t really matter. I really want to do my best and win got results with her,” Tosaki said.
However, with the question of increased distance still looming for most runners, there will be opportunities for others who have achieved significant results.
The field also boasts winners of the Flora Stakes (G2), Admire Belle; Artemis Shares (G3), Cervical; Flower Cup (G3), Mi Anhelo; Queen’s Cup (G3), Queen’s Walk; and Tulip Sho (G2), Leg sweep.
Hope a lot.
Admire Belle’s coach, Yukihiro Kato, said: “This time she was quite excited and improved compared to her previous run. “The pace was very good for her in the last race and since she didn’t pull, the 2,400 meters distance will be good for her this time.”
Cervina’s trainer, Tetsuya Kimura, said his daughter is “better than her last race and she has continued to train so there are positives for her. I think she will get into the flow of the left-handed race, and longer distances are not an issue. The return of jockey Christophe Lemaire is another plus.
Sweep Feet’s coach, Yasushi Shono, said she was “better now at 3 years old… This time it’s all about getting over 2,400 meters and until we try, we won’t.” don’t know. Regarding her reproduction, the distance should be fine.”
Sweep Feet jockey Yutaka Take pointed out: “No other horse in the race has run more than 2,400 metres. But I think the long Tokyo straight will suit her and I hope she will find a good rhythm in the race.”
Leg sweeping is because Sweet Richard the team won the 2019 Japan Cup (G1) at 2,400 meters
