The Oka Sho weekend

3 minute read

Surrounded by cherry blossoms all the tracks looked like they had just featured in a tourism publicity shot.

STELLENBOSCH winning the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) at Hanshin in Japan. Picture: Japan Racing Association

Saturday at Nakayama the NZ Trophy was won by Ecoro Bloom with Bond Girl second and a tight photo to pick second and third with the third being Yukino Royal at 33/1.

At Hanshin the Sankei Sports Hai went to Moreira's mount Masked Diva from Umbrail and Moyana both on 8/1.

Sunday was the big day and seeing the races with the backdrop of cherry trees in full bloom was just beautiful. The 84th Oka Sho went to Stellenbosch with Moreira riding the daughter of Epiphaneia turning the tables on Ascoli Picena by ¼ length. Light Black ran a tremendous race from the back of the pack to take third – he was on 14/1 but won't be that price again.