Yuga Kawada guided odds-on favourite Liberty Island to the winner's circle under the snow of cherry blossom petals in Sunday's G1 Oka Sho. The pair positioned themselves unexpectedly third from the tail of the field but Kawawda remained calm as he waited to make his move. Gradually making their way towards the outside, Kawada and Liberty Island came past the field in the last 200m. Liberty Island recorded the fastest last 3F of all the runners in a time of 32.9 seconds. Kona Coast finished second and Perifania came in third.

Commenting on his victory, Kawada said: "I am glad we made it in time right before the finish line. Liberty Island was happy that far from the front runners, so I just needed to make her travel in a good rhythm and calmly. She showed who she really is in the last furlong," he added with a smile.

The pair now plan to head to the G1 Japanese Oaks, and Kawada said of Liberty Island's campaign for this year: "Glad to secure the first leg of the fillies' Classics. We will go to wherever fans want us to go and hopefully answer your support with more victories."