Guide to the notable runners in the G1 Japanese Oaks
Wednesday, 15 May, 2024 22:56
Stellenbosch (C)netkeiba
It is a week of the Japanese Oaks, and the famous G1 will be run this Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse. Here is a guide to some of the notable runners in the Japanese Oaks.
Stellenbosch, who won her debut in a Newcomers on the Sapporo turf at 1800 meters, continued her campaign in mile races, culminating in her victory in the G1 Oka Sho. This time, she faces an 800-meter increase in distance. However, given her pedigree and long-bodied conformation, this could be a positive factor. Her powerful finishing kick, which seems to extend indefinitely down the straight, suggests that the 2400 meters of the Tokyo track will suit her well. With the expertise of trainer Sakae Kunieda, who has produced legendary fillies like Apapane and Almond Eye, her chances of securing a second Classic victory are high. She will be ridden by jockey Keita Tosaki.
Light Back, who finished third in the G1 Oka Sho, displayed remarkable closing speed inside the final three furlongs in the 32-second range from the very back of the field, unleashing a stunning burst on the outside. She won the Elfin Stakes by defeating Sweep Feet, who later won the G2 Tulip Sho and finished fourth in the G1 Oka Sho. Light Back has shown significant growth, with her previous rough edges now smoothed out. This type of performance suggests that the upcoming race conditions will suit her well. She will be ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai.
Queen's Walk faced a tight spot on the inside during the G1 Oka Sho, preventing her from showing her full potential. However, her impressive victory in the G3 Queen Cup demonstrates that she has the ability to compete at the highest level. The switch to Tokyo is a positive factor, and the increased distance should be advantageous given her physique and pedigree. A strong rebound is anticipated. She will be ridden by jockey Yuga Kawada.
Other contenders include Cervinia, who is expected to show her true worth this time, Admire Belle, who has extensive experience on the Tokyo course, Sweep Feet, coming off a 4th place finish in the G1 Oka Sho, and Koganeno Sora, who is on a winning streak with three consecutive victories.
Stellenbosch, who won her debut in a Newcomers on the Sapporo turf at 1800 meters, continued her campaign in mile races, culminating in her victory in the G1 Oka Sho. This time, she faces an 800-meter increase in distance. However, given her pedigree and long-bodied conformation, this could be a positive factor. Her powerful finishing kick, which seems to extend indefinitely down the straight, suggests that the 2400 meters of the Tokyo track will suit her well. With the expertise of trainer Sakae Kunieda, who has produced legendary fillies like Apapane and Almond Eye, her chances of securing a second Classic victory are high. She will be ridden by jockey Keita Tosaki.
Light Back, who finished third in the G1 Oka Sho, displayed remarkable closing speed inside the final three furlongs in the 32-second range from the very back of the field, unleashing a stunning burst on the outside. She won the Elfin Stakes by defeating Sweep Feet, who later won the G2 Tulip Sho and finished fourth in the G1 Oka Sho. Light Back has shown significant growth, with her previous rough edges now smoothed out. This type of performance suggests that the upcoming race conditions will suit her well. She will be ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai.
Queen's Walk faced a tight spot on the inside during the G1 Oka Sho, preventing her from showing her full potential. However, her impressive victory in the G3 Queen Cup demonstrates that she has the ability to compete at the highest level. The switch to Tokyo is a positive factor, and the increased distance should be advantageous given her physique and pedigree. A strong rebound is anticipated. She will be ridden by jockey Yuga Kawada.
Other contenders include Cervinia, who is expected to show her true worth this time, Admire Belle, who has extensive experience on the Tokyo course, Sweep Feet, coming off a 4th place finish in the G1 Oka Sho, and Koganeno Sora, who is on a winning streak with three consecutive victories.