Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) Group 1

THE Group 1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) is the second fillies’ classic of the year. The €2 million contest is run over a mile and a half at Tokyo Racecourse.

Unbeaten Sodashi went to post as the odds-on favourite to add a second classic to her resume. But it was the 8/1 third-placed filly in the betting, Uberleben, with Mirco Demuro in the irons that would spring a minor surprise.

Breaking smartly from stall nine, Uberleben was restrained to race in the rear of mid-division throughout, behind a sedate pace. As the field passed the 600-metre pole, Demuro progressively edged his filly wide to press for the lead. As the leaders began to wilt, Uberleben stayed-on relentlessly to surge clear and hit the line a length in front.

Akaitorino Musume finished in second with the 200/1 outsider Hagino Pilana finishing a further nose in arrears in third.

Not appreciating the pace, Sodashi raced keenly from the start but to her credit still had every chance with two furlongs to run. However, the equine celebrity’s challenge faded, eventually finishing in eighth.

Tactical ride

Beaten on three separate occasions by Sodashi, Uberleben obviously appreciated the considerable step up in distance. Without question the Takahisa Tezuka-trained filly also benefited from a perfectly executed tactical ride to run out a deserved and comprehensive winner.

It was a 33rd JRA Group 1 win for Demuro but first since successful aboard Lauda Sion in the NHK Mile in May 2020. It is a second Oaks title for the jockey, supplementing his win aboard Loves Only You in 2019.

However, it was a very welcome return to centre stage for Demuro. The Italian-born rider’s form and results have trailed well behind his own lofty standards set in previous years.

He currently sits in 19th in the jockeys’ rankings with 26 winners from the least number of rides by any jockey in the top 20.

While most of the attention focused on the white Sodashi prior to the Oaks, it was another fan favourite horse that dominated the post-race headlines. Uberleben is the first Group 1 winner for six-time Group 1-winning sire, Gold Ship.

While the enigmatic grey’s ability was unquestionable on the track, his sullen attitude and often disinterest in racing endeared him to racing fans.

Retired to stud duties in 2016, Gold Ship stands at Big Red Farm for a fee of €16,000 for 2021.