Winner all-white! Sodashi makes more history in Japanese Guineas

Sodashi made herself even more memorable with victory in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) at Hanshin on Sunday as she became the first ever white horse to take a Japanese Classic.

Back in December, the Naosuke Sugai-trained daughter of Kurofune became what was thought to be the first of her colour to land a Grade 1 in the country in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies.

Inheriting her appearance from dam Buchiko, an even more unusual black and white spotted mare, she has ability too, asserting her authority in the last couple of furlongs under Hayato Yoshida and holding off the late challenge of favourite Satono Reinas by a neck. Sodashi was owned and bred by Kaneko Makoto Holdings Inc.

Yoshida said: "She was calm when we went to the back of the gate after entering the turf course. I had a very good feeling at the gate. I could go to the race in a good way, thanks to the stable staff who have helped her grow up.

Sodashi has already become a popular performerCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

"It was very fast ground and I thought it would not be good for her, but she has an ability to run well [on it].

"There was big pressure before the race because her ability was doubted - if she was really strong or only popular. She has grown up more than I expected and could race cleverly.

"Her future is undecided but [has] unlimited possibilities. I'm honoured to be able to challenge in the Classic with such a horse."

Satono Reinas's rider Christophe Lemaire said, "The start from the most outside stall was no good for her. She raced a very strong race. Let's go to the Oaks."

The time 1.31.10 was the record for the Hanshin 1,600 metres course.

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