G1 Japanese Oaks preview by our original AI
Wednesday, 15 May, 2024 23:11
Light Back (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
This weekend's racing will feature two graded stakes including the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks). Here are some of the notable runners listed by our original AI.
In her last race, the G1 Oka Sho, Light Back put in an impressive performance, coming from last place at the final corner to finish third with the fastest closing speed. Despite having no prior stakes placings, she proved her abilities by defeating G2 Tulip Sho winner Sweep Feet in the Elfin Stakes two races ago.
The upcoming race involves a step up in distance but her pedigree, being by Japanese Derby winner Kizuna, suggests that this should not be an issue. With a powerful closing kick, the long straight at Tokyo is expected to suit her well. Additionally, she has experience with long-distance travel to Tokyo from last year, so there are no significant concerns on that front. If the race unfolds in a way that allows her to utilise her strong finishing burst, she has a good chance of success.
Queen's Walk entered the G1 Oka Sho as the third favourite but finished 8th. There had been talk of her being more suited to the Oaks even before her debut, suggesting that other horses may have had a better fit for the Oka Sho. Now, in the Japanese Oaks, a race thought to be more suitable for her, a strong rebound is expected.
She has previous experience in Tokyo, having won the G3 Queen Cup two races ago with a sharp closing kick from the back of the field, demonstrating her affinity for the Tokyo course. This time, over 2400m, she is likely to find herself in a better position to follow the pace, and she could deliver an even better performance than in the Queen Cup. Being a progeny of Japanese Derby winner Kizuna also adds to her credentials, and she is expected to be a strong contender.
In the G2 Tulip Sho two races ago, Sweep Feet unleashed a stunning late kick from the back of the field to secure her first graded stakes victory. In her most recent race, the Oka Sho, she employed a similar strategy but encountered some trouble when she had to change course in the stretch, ultimately finishing 4th. Despite this, her late run was impressive, showing she could compete with G1-level competition.
This time, she faces new challenges, including her first long-distance transport to Tokyo and a step up in distance. However, her sire, Suave Richard, won the G1 Japan Cup, indicating that she has the pedigree to handle these conditions. Sweep Feet's powerful finishing kick should be well-suited to Tokyo's long stretch. While much will depend on the race's pace, if she can leverage her strong closing speed, she has a solid chance to make an impact.
In her last race, the G1 Oka Sho, Light Back put in an impressive performance, coming from last place at the final corner to finish third with the fastest closing speed. Despite having no prior stakes placings, she proved her abilities by defeating G2 Tulip Sho winner Sweep Feet in the Elfin Stakes two races ago.
The upcoming race involves a step up in distance but her pedigree, being by Japanese Derby winner Kizuna, suggests that this should not be an issue. With a powerful closing kick, the long straight at Tokyo is expected to suit her well. Additionally, she has experience with long-distance travel to Tokyo from last year, so there are no significant concerns on that front. If the race unfolds in a way that allows her to utilise her strong finishing burst, she has a good chance of success.
Queen's Walk entered the G1 Oka Sho as the third favourite but finished 8th. There had been talk of her being more suited to the Oaks even before her debut, suggesting that other horses may have had a better fit for the Oka Sho. Now, in the Japanese Oaks, a race thought to be more suitable for her, a strong rebound is expected.
She has previous experience in Tokyo, having won the G3 Queen Cup two races ago with a sharp closing kick from the back of the field, demonstrating her affinity for the Tokyo course. This time, over 2400m, she is likely to find herself in a better position to follow the pace, and she could deliver an even better performance than in the Queen Cup. Being a progeny of Japanese Derby winner Kizuna also adds to her credentials, and she is expected to be a strong contender.
In the G2 Tulip Sho two races ago, Sweep Feet unleashed a stunning late kick from the back of the field to secure her first graded stakes victory. In her most recent race, the Oka Sho, she employed a similar strategy but encountered some trouble when she had to change course in the stretch, ultimately finishing 4th. Despite this, her late run was impressive, showing she could compete with G1-level competition.
This time, she faces new challenges, including her first long-distance transport to Tokyo and a step up in distance. However, her sire, Suave Richard, won the G1 Japan Cup, indicating that she has the pedigree to handle these conditions. Sweep Feet's powerful finishing kick should be well-suited to Tokyo's long stretch. While much will depend on the race's pace, if she can leverage her strong closing speed, she has a solid chance to make an impact.