Gentildonna (yellow cap) wins the Oka Sho at Hanshin
PICTURE: Masakazu TakahashiGentildonna on target in Oka Sho at Hanshin
Report: Japan, Sunday
Hanshin: Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) (Grade 1) 1m, turf, 3yo fillies
THE legendary Deep Impact sired the second Oka Sho winner in his short career as a stallion when second favourite Gentildonna (Sei Ishizaka/Yasunari Iwata) won the first Classic of the season.
What is more, Deep Impact was responsible for a one-two in Sunday's race, with Verxina a half-length behind the winner.
He also sired the favourite Joie De Vivre, who could finish only sixth as she attempted to emulate Deep Impact's daughter Marcellina had won the Japanese 1,000 Guineas 12 months previously.
Iwata settled Gentildonna in mid-division in the 208 million yen event (£1.6m) before thundering down the centre of the straight to join a three-horse battle at the furlong marker.
Verxina just poked her head in front as eventual third I'm Yours
dropped back slightly only for Gentildonna to produce the telling challenge.
Comments