Next big target revealed for Sodashi along with major overseas options for 2022

The all-white Japanese 1,000 Guineas winner Sodashi will run in the Grade 1 Champions Cup, the Japan Racing Association's dirt championship at Chukyo on December 5.

Trainer Naosuke Sugai revealed on Wednesday where the unique filly will try to get back to winning ways following her tenth-placed finish when hot favourite for last month's Shuka Sho. Regular partner Hayato Yoshida will ride the three-year-old at Chukyo.

The trainer, explaining his choice of target, said: "I considered the advantages of weight against the older horses and her pedigree. I think it is good for her to challenge on the dirt once, also for her future.

"The distance of a mile and a furlong is better for her. Depending on the result, her future options will expand. Her condition is good. Though I don't want to pollute her with sand."

Sodashi's pedigree contains plenty of US and Japanese dirt blood. Sire Kurofune was one of the most successful dirt racehorses, winning the 2001 Japan Cup Dirt, and is from the Deputy Minister sire line. Dam Buchiko was a four-time winner on dirt.

Sugai has said that one of the results of the defeat in the Shuka Sho was Sodashi's tooth bleeding after an incident in the starting gate. On raceday evening she was treated and the lower front tooth that was wobbly pulled out.

Following that, she went to Northern Farm Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture, for grass and training, before returning to Sugai's yard at the Ritto Training Centre last Friday.

Her groom Takatoshi Imanami has reported her refreshed after a laid-back rest, and that the new tooth had grown after part of the treatment.

In this year's Champions Cup, the defending champion and runner-up in this year's Dubai World Cup, Chuwa Wizard, is set to be among Sodashi's rivals.

Should Sodashi win, or at least run well, she could be in line to be sent to the Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup or the Breeders' Cup next year. Japan broke their Breeders' Cup duck last Saturday at Del Mar with the mares Loves Only You and March Lorraine.

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