Sent to post as an overwhelming favorite after a strong performance in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), Almond Eye did not disappoint as she never put a foot wrong throughout the 2,400-meter trip and became the first filly since Gentildonna (2012) and 14th overall to claim the Oka Sho-Yushun Himba double with a chance to become the fifth to claim the season’s Gr.1 triple for three-year-old fillies. 

 

Almond Eye was given a perfect ride by Christophe Lemaire, starting from stall 13, coincidentally the same barrier as in the Oka Sho in which they scored their first Gr.1 victory in the race. Nicely rated from a good break among the front group around sixth, Almond Eye traveled smoothly just off the rails with Lily Noble and Lucky Lilac in close view behind Sayakachan who sprinted out for a clear lead while setting a brisk pace over the 2,400 meter course. 

Lily Noble broke sharply from stall one, eventually allowing the more eager rivals to lead the way while saving ground along the rails in third as the field stretched out to form a long line behind the pacesetter who opened the gap to almost ten lengths along the backstretch. As the field closed in on the tired leader, the Rulership filly angled out slightly after the final turn for better footing and assumed command just as the uphill stretch became too much for the early leaders but was caught by Almond Eye when the two fillies hit the top of the hill and was unable to match the increasing stride of the eventual winner while managing to hold off the rest of the field by more than a length.

 

Lucky Lilac jumped out of the gate and in hand along the rails close behind Lily Noble, positioned less than a length in front of the eventual winner. The Japanese 2011 Triple Crown winner Orfevre filly was given the go as Almond Eye passed her on the outside then steered to the inside of Lily Noble for the rally but was a fraction slow to pick up speed to match the front two for third.

4: Red Sakuya , 5: Mau Lea, 6: Satono Walkure,7: Pioneer Bio, 8: Usubenino Kimi, 9: All for Love, 10: Rosa Glauca, 11: Randonnee, 12: Sister Flag, 13: Cantabile, 14: Toho Artemis, 15: Win Lanakila, 16: Sayakachan and 17: Ohana

3-year-old Fillies, 2,400 meters , turf, left-handed, Tokyo Racecourse,Post time: 15:40, Total prize money: ¥ 238,600,000 (about US$ 2,170,000 where US$1=¥110>), 3 kg allowance for Southern Hemisphere-bred born in 2015