The Oka Sho (1000 Guineas) is now a very open race indeed as Michael Tabart's Hana's Gold has had to be withdrawn due to injury.
That is a big shame as she was looking like the possible favourite for this race after she spreadeagled the field in the prep for this. That leaves the way clear for Joie de Vivre, the half-sister of Buena Vista and the first horse in Japan to win a G1 at her second start. The talented daughter of Falbrav I'm Yours will have Nicola Pinna riding, and Epice Arome, who ran second to Hana's Gold at her last outing, could also be in the money.
On Saturday there are two good G2s, the Hanshin Himba and the New Zealand Trophy or Nakayama Mile Trial. In the Himba which is over 1400m we like Apapane with Iwata riding, Lady Alba Rose, and Mirco Demuro's mount Marcellina.
We are not so familiar with the 3yos in the Mile which has one filly Cosmo Lucy running - she must have something to take on the boys and of course has a weight advantage. Olivine and Leon Bisty did well as 2yos so may be in the running.
