Guineas Winner Stellenbosch Set for Japanese Oaks

There is a lot to choose from in the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1) May 19 at Tokyo Racecourse, starting with Stellenbosch, winner of the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas, G1).

The Epiphaneia  filly, winner of three of five races and never worse than second, overcame a slow start and a wide trip to win the Oka Sho April 7 at Hanshin Racecourse in her first start of 2024.

That race, however, was run at 1,600 meters (about one mile). Stellenbosch tackles 2,400 meters (1 1/2 miles) for the first time and will need to show added stamina when hitting the uphill gradient in the Tokyo straight.

Trainer Sakae Kunieda said he is confident his filly has the starch to get the job done.

"I've always thought a race over a longer distance would suit her," Kunieda said after Stellenbosch drew gate 7 in the field of 18. "I don't have to worry about anything with her. She's by Epiphaneia, so she's quite relaxed and, with the race at Tokyo this time, where she has already won, I look forward to a good run from her again."

Keita Tosaki takes over riding duties from Joao Moreira, who rode Stellenbosch in the Guineas. Tosaki said he has gotten used to the filly's style of running during training and finds her an easy partner.

"I don't think the distance of the race is a problem, and I can decide on tactics from the way she starts, as I think the draw doesn't really matter. I really want to do my best and get a result with her," Tosaki said.

With the question of added distance nonetheless looming for most of the fillies, there is an opportunity for others who already have posted significant results.

The field also boasts the winners of the Flora Stakes (G2), Admire Belle; the 2023 Artemis Stakes (G3), Cervinia; the Flower Cup (G3), Mi Anhelo; the Queen Cup (G3), Queen's Walk; and the Tulip Sho (G2), Sweep Feet.

Hope abounds.

"She's quite switched on and is better this time than before her last run," said Admire Belle's trainer, Yukihiro Kato. "The pace was good for her in her last race, and as she doesn't pull, the distance of 2,400 meters this time should be good for her."

Cervina's trainer, Tetsuya Kimura, said his filly is "better than before her last race, and she's come on for her training, so there are positives with her. I think she'll get into the flow of the race running left-handed, and the extra distance shouldn't be a problem. The return of jockey Christophe Lemaire is another plus."

Sweep Feet's trainer, Yasushi Shono, said she is "better now that she's a 3-year-old ... It's all about seeing out the 2,400 meters this time and, until we try, we won't know. On her breeding, the distance should be fine."

Sweep Feet's jockey, Yutaka Take, pointed out, "No other horse in the race has run over 2,400 meters. But I think the long Tokyo straight will suit her, and I hope she'll find a good rhythm in the race."

Sweep Feet is by Suave Richard , who won the 2019 Japan Cup (G1) at 2,400 meters