Expert - Naohiro Goda

Naohiro is a leading journalist and commentator in Japan with regular television shows on networks such as NHK Network and Green Channel. He is a regular contributor for newspapers, magazines and websites including Sports Nippon, Weekly Gallop, and netkeiba.com. He also operates a bloodstock business marketing firm. Naohiro is a frequent international racing traveler and a regular visitor to the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

Hanshin Racecourse – Track Analysis (Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas)):

Hanshin Racecourse, always racing clockwise, is comprised of three tracks, including the turf track on the outside, the dirt track in the middle and the steeplechase course from the inside. One of the characteristics of the turf in Hanshin is that either the inner bend or outer bend will be used according to the distance of the races when the horses turning for home. For the outer bend, the track is 2089m long, with a 473.6m homestretch, which is the third-longest in JRA’s tracks, after Niigata and Tokyo. The track using the inner bend is 1689m long, with a 356.5m homestretch. The dirt track is 1517.6m long, with a 352.7m long homestretch. There are two chutes that rejoin the main course at the top of both the backstretch and the homestretch.

Outer turf track is used for the 1600m G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), the first leg of Japanese Triple Crown for 3YO fillies. Starting gate is set at the early part of backstretch and there is a 444m straight course from the starting gate to the entrance of far turn. Statistics prove that middle numbers are favourable at this course. Runners have to travel slightly downslope for the beginning 230m and suddenly uphill for next 50m. The 682.4m long far turn is gentle. Finally, the field will climb up the 120m sharp rise with the height of 1.8m in the last 200m. While Hanshin is a fair track, where true ability of runners reflects on the result straightforwardly, the tempo tends to be moderate for 1600m races and the turn of foot could be the crucial factor at the closing stage.

Last year’s Oka Sho was conducted on good ground with 18 runners. LIBERTY ISLAND, the 2022 JRA Champion 2YO Filly, dwelt coming out of gate and took 15th position. LIGHT QUANTUM with Yutaka Take in the irons was settled at 8th position on the rail. LIBERTY ISLAND was still at behind at top of homestretch. KONA COAST tracked a front runner from second position and hit the front at 300m out. By that time, LIBERTY ISLAND, who was guided by Yuga Kawada in the irons to stand side, was in high gear and storming home. Finally, she won by three quarters of lengths. The Mitsumasa Nakauchida trained filly won the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and Shuka Sho later and complete the year of Japanese Triple Crown for 3YO fillies.

The day of Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) is 14th live racing at Hanshin. While it is still kept in good condition, surface at the beginning of far turn of inner turf track and exit of far turn through homestretch is slightly getting tired.

Rain is forecasted few days before the race day. Please be advised to pay attention to the weather forecast nearer the time.

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