Daring Tact produces star performance in Japanese 1,000 Guineas

The Japanese 1,000 Guineas, known as the Oka Sho, looks to have produced another potentially exceptional filly in the shape of Daring Tact, who mowed down last season's champion juvenile Resistencia to remain unbeaten and land the first Classic of the Japanese season run behind closed doors.

Under fresh Covid-19 measures, Hanshin racecourse was without the 50,000-strong crowd that witnessed the Grade 1 contest 12 months ago, but the performance of trainer Haruki Sugiyama's imposing filly did not disappoint, as she made it three wins from three starts.

Similar to her previous outing in the Listed Elfin Stakes in February, Daring Tact was ridden patiently by Kohei Matsuyama to come home strongly, although early keenness gave cause for concern in rain-softened yielding ground, which had reportedly been described as firm overnight.

The daughter of Japan Cup and Japanese St Leger hero Epiphaneia, Daring Tact looked to have plenty on her plate turning in but gave generously for Matsuyama's urgings to win well by a growing length and a half.

The winning rider said: "I thought it was more important to keep her in a rhythm than to be in a certain position. I believed that she would show her brilliant turn of foot, if I could keep her rhythm.

"At the top of the straight, we were a very long distance from the front, but I trusted her and urged her very hard."

He added: "I hope to race in front of many spectators, as soon as possible."

Daring Tact and jockey Kohei MatsuyamaCredit: Japan Racing Association

The Yutaka Take-ridden favourite Resistencia, bidding to bounce back from being beaten on her seasonal bow, enjoys being handily positioned but starting from stall 17 of 18 runners made such plans difficult.

However, the legendary rider did his best impression of Frankie Dettori's 2015 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-winning ride on Golden Horn to bring his mount across from the wide gate gradually, having raced separate to the pack in the early stages.

Resistencia managed to see off all rivals from the front bar the patiently-ridden Daring Tact, with Take's mount just running out of petrol late on after her early exertions.

Daring Tact: a convincing winner of the Japanese 1,000 GuineasCredit: Hanshin Racecourse on Twitter (@HanshinKeibaJo)

Smile Kana, a 35-1 outsider, ran with great credit to claim third after forcing the pace for the entirety of the contest.

The 2020 winner follows in the footprints of some outstanding talents to land the race, which was first run in 1939, with the recent roll of honour including names such as international stars Gentildonna (2012) and Almond Eye (2018).

Earlier this week, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced racing would continue behind closed doors under strict measures, adjusting to new restrictions introduced under a state of emergency announced by prime minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday.

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