Oka Sho winner Stellenbosch and Japanese Oaks winner Cervinia set to clash in G1 Shuka Sho
Thursday, 10 October, 2024 02:26
The final showdown of the Triple Tiara is set, with Oka Sho winner Stellenbosch and Japanese Oaks champion Cervinia both entering the race after a break. Their preparations have gone smoothly, and the stage is set for these two-star fillies to battle it out for supremacy.
The title of the best 3-year-old filly remains undecided. Stellenbosch, winner of the Oka Sho, is determined to capture the final jewel of the Triple Tiara, the Shuka Sho. In her last race, the Japanese Oaks, she engaged in a fierce duel with Cervinia but ultimately finished a close second. Now, she seeks revenge at Kyoto Racecourse and aims to secure her second Classic title.
After the Japanese Oaks, Stellenbosch was sent to the farm for a well-earned rest. She returned to Ritto Training Center on September 19, where she has thrived, familiar with the environment after solid performances in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (second place) and the Oka Sho. Trainer Sakae Kunieda, who inspected her on October 2, remarked, "I'm expecting the Ritto TC effect again this time. She's looking good, and I can sense physical growth."
On October 3, in her final major workout, Stellenbosch galloped on the Ritto TC hill course alongside her stablemate Moskrosser. She tracked four lengths behind and finished on even terms, clocking 52.2 seconds for four furlongs, with the final 12.9 seconds reflecting her strong finish. Her rider, Tamura, noted, "She was carrying a bit more condition, so we worked her well. In the Oka Sho, she really improved during race week, and I expect the same this time." He also commented on her physical and mental development, saying, "She's become more independent and now has the core strength to run with her own balance."
The race will take place on the inner track at Kyoto Racecourse, a venue that requires not only raw speed but also agility. Tamura added, "She navigated traffic in the Japanese Oaks, pushing through tight spaces and finishing strong. She's not the type of horse that gets hindered by a smaller, trickier course." With everything in place, Stellenbosch is ready to face her rivals head-on in peak form.
The title of the best 3-year-old filly remains undecided. Stellenbosch, winner of the Oka Sho, is determined to capture the final jewel of the Triple Tiara, the Shuka Sho. In her last race, the Japanese Oaks, she engaged in a fierce duel with Cervinia but ultimately finished a close second. Now, she seeks revenge at Kyoto Racecourse and aims to secure her second Classic title.
After the Japanese Oaks, Stellenbosch was sent to the farm for a well-earned rest. She returned to Ritto Training Center on September 19, where she has thrived, familiar with the environment after solid performances in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (second place) and the Oka Sho. Trainer Sakae Kunieda, who inspected her on October 2, remarked, "I'm expecting the Ritto TC effect again this time. She's looking good, and I can sense physical growth."
On October 3, in her final major workout, Stellenbosch galloped on the Ritto TC hill course alongside her stablemate Moskrosser. She tracked four lengths behind and finished on even terms, clocking 52.2 seconds for four furlongs, with the final 12.9 seconds reflecting her strong finish. Her rider, Tamura, noted, "She was carrying a bit more condition, so we worked her well. In the Oka Sho, she really improved during race week, and I expect the same this time." He also commented on her physical and mental development, saying, "She's become more independent and now has the core strength to run with her own balance."
The race will take place on the inner track at Kyoto Racecourse, a venue that requires not only raw speed but also agility. Tamura added, "She navigated traffic in the Japanese Oaks, pushing through tight spaces and finishing strong. She's not the type of horse that gets hindered by a smaller, trickier course." With everything in place, Stellenbosch is ready to face her rivals head-on in peak form.
Article Creds:Daily Sports