Sodashi, a rare white Thoroughbred by American-bred Kurofune, wins the Oka Sho at Hanshin Racecourse under jockey Hayato Yoshida
Undefeated champion filly Sodashi, Japan’s trailblazing white Thoroughbred, launched her 2021 at Hanshin Racecourse on Sunday with a neck victory over Satono Reinas in the 81st running of the Group 1 Oka Sho, the Japanese 1,000 Guineas that kicks off the series of classic races for 3-year-old fillies.
The daughter of the grey American-bred Kurofune set a new course record of 1:31.1 for the 1,600 meters (about one mile). Owned by her breeder, Kaneko Makoto Holdings Co. Ltd. and trained by Naosuke Sugai, Sodashi was ridden to victory by Hayato Yoshida. She was the second choice in the wagering behind Satono Reinas, a Deep Impact filly ridden by Christophe Lemaire.
Sodashi broke quickly and was prominent throughout the Oka Sho, traveling along the rail in third or fourth position on the right-handed course while Satono Reinas did not get away cleanly and was far back in the field 18. After reaching the straight, Yoshida shifted Sodashi off the rail and found a seam in the three path, taking command with about 300 meters remaining and then just having enough to withstand the late run of Satono Reinas, who was flying in the final yards and just missed.
The Oka Sho is the first leg of the fillies’ Triple Crown in Japan, which continues with the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks at 2,400 meters) and the Shuka Sho (2,000 meters). Six fillies have swept the series, most recently by Daring Tact, who became the first undefeated filly to complete the sweep last year.
“It’s a great feeling,” said jockey Yoshida. “There was a lot of pressure with many doubting how strong a white filly could be, so I’m thrilled we were able to prove them wrong. I was a bit worried that the fast track would be a disadvantage, but she responded beautifully and ran well holding off the others closing in on us which I saw and made me drive her to the wire. Her potential is limitless and I look forward to her future starts.”
Sodashi, produced from the white King Kamehameha mare Buchiko, is now undefeated in five career starts.
With Japanese racecourse attendance still limited, only 3,137 were on hand to witness Sodashi’s victory. Wagering on the Oka Sho totaled roughly $166.7 million and the day’s handle was $247.7 million.
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