Shuka Sho completes the Triple Crown.
In the Shuka Sho held on October 14, Almond Eye (JPN, F3, by Lord Kanaloa) completed a sweep of the fillies’ Triple Crown – the first since Gentildonna (JPN, by Deep Impact) in 2012 and fifth overall. It was also her fifth consecutive victory, including the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas, 1,600m) and the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, 2,400m). Many hope she can emulate 2012 Horse of the Year Gentildonna in her attempt to become the second three-year-old filly to claim the Japan Cup title.
The Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger, G1, 3,000m) was held in the week after the Shuka Sho and was won by seventh-favorite Fierement (JPN, C3, by Deep Impact), who claimed one of the most coveted three-year-old titles in just his fourth career start, the shortest in JRA history. Unraced as a two-year-old, the Deep Impact colt won his career debut in January this year and was given plenty of time to recover before each race with just two other starts in April and July prior to his big G1 challenge. After resting in the same manner following his major victory, the Arima Kinen could be a possibility as his next start. Meanwhile, Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1, 2,400m) winner Wagnerian (JPN, C3, by Deep Impact), who won impressively in the Kobe Shimbun Hai (G2, 2,400m) on September 23, was to run in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) instead of the Kikuka Sho, but the Derby victor did not recover in time and is still out to pasture.
