3 minute read

Liberty Island won the Yushun Himba by 6 lengths.

And that was after easing up coming to the line!  She didn't break the record for the race but then she was never pushed.  After running easily in around 5th spot for most of the race Kawada eased her out as they came round the bend into the straight and once he had a clear line of sight in the middle of the track Kawada slipped her a bit of rein and off she went

quickly clearing the other runners and then making it just a procession to the wire.

We thought that after the Oka Sho connections may have chosen to run her against the boys in the Derby but they thought better of it after Soi Oriens won the Satsuki Sho so easily.  Also she can now win the fillies' Triple Crown if she goes to the Shuka Sho in October and that carries a handsome bonus plus huge pull in the breeding world.

Harper finished second – a respectable run if you ignore the winner – and Dura, another Duramente product, was third.

It is interesting that the Derby carries double the prize money of the Oaks.  We can't wait for Liberty Island to take on the boys and show the flag for filly power!