The white Japanese horse Sodashi makes G1 history
Sodashi made herself even more memorable with victory in the Oka Sho, (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) at Hanshin on Sunday as she became the first ever white horse to take a Japanese Classic.
Back in December, the Naosuke Sugai-trained daughter of Kurofune became what was thought to be the first of her color to land a Grade 1 in the country in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies.
Inheriting her appearance from dam Buchiko; an even more unusual black and white spotted mare, she has also inherited her ability also. Asserting her authority in the last couple of furlongs; under jockey Hayato Yoshida and holding off the late challenge of favorite Satono Reinas by a neck. Sodashi was owned and bred by Kaneko Makoto Holdings Inc.
The race was the first leg of the Japanese Filly Triple Crown.
While Sodashi finished the 1,600 meters (about a mile) of the Oka Sho in a record time of 1:31.1; she will have to prove herself at the longer distances to win that title.
The Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1) is 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) and the Shuka Sho (G1) is 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles). Daring Tact last year became the first to complete the series while undefeated
Jockey Hayato Yoshida said: “Sodashi was calm when we went to the back of the gate after entering the turf course. I had a very good feeling at the gate. I could go to the race in a good way; thanks to the stable staff who have helped her grow up. It was very fast ground and I thought it would not be good for her, but she has an ability to run well [on it]. “There was big pressure before the race because her ability was doubted – if she was really strong or only popular. She has grown up more than I expected and could race cleverly. “Her future is undecided but [has] unlimited possibilities. I’m honored to be able to challenge in the Classic with such a horse.”
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