Daring Tact a new star for Japan
Daring Tact has extended her unbeaten record to three from three with victory in the Oka Sho, the Japanese 1000 Guineas, at Hanshin.
Trained by Haruki Sugiyama, Daring Tact is a daughter of 2014 Japan Cup winner Epiphaneia.
The filly produced produced an extraordinary burst of speed from back in the field to pick off her rivals, catching favourite Resistencia a few strides before the line.
The Group One meeting was run behind closed doors as racing continues in Japan, one of few countries including Australia, still racing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Daring Tact is now expected to tackle the Yushun Himba, Japanese Oaks, on May 24, before hopefully the final leg of the Japanese Fillies’ Triple Crown, the Shuka Sho, in October.
“I concentrated on her rhythm more than where to position her today,” winning rider Kohei Matsuyama said.
“We were far behind the leaders and desperate in catching up, but she responded beautifully and stretched incredibly all the way to the line.
“I’m not worried about the added distance in the coming Japanese Oaks, but she does have issues to work on such as being relaxed.
“I’m praying that the day we can race in front of the crowd again will come soon.”
Five fillies have claimed the Triple Crown including Gentildonna and Almond Eye, both of whom went on to capture the Japan Cup and win on Dubai World Cup night.