Japan: Cervinia wins final leg of Japan Triple Crown

Cervinia became the third filly in this decade to win the final two legs of the Triple Crown for fillies in Japan with a victory in Sunday’s Grade 1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto Racecourse.

Cervinia won the second race in the series, the Grade 1 Japanese Oaks, at Tokyo Racecourse in May. She did not start between the Oaks and $1.43 million Shuka Sho at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

Cervinia, who paid $5.80 in American pools as the favorite, won the Shuka Sho by 1 3/4 lengths over 10-1 Bond Girl, who finished a half-length in front of 7-2 Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch won the Grade 1 Japanese 1000 Guineas at a mile in April, the first race of the Triple Crown, and was second by a half-length to Cervinia in the Japanese Oaks at 1 1/2 miles on May 19.

:: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets.

In the Shuka Sho, Cervinia closed from midpack in a field of 15 under jockey Christophe Lemaire to record her fourth win in six career starts.

“Everything went smoothly,” Lemaire told Japan Racing Association publicists. “The distance was right for her, we were able to sit in a good position, she found her own rhythm and was very calm throughout.”

Lemaire said a quick pace set by 28-1 Sekitoba East helped Lemaire’s closing style. Sekitoba East faded to finish 13th.

The 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Shuka Sho comprise the Triple Crown for 3-year-old fillies in Japan.

Cervinia joins Daring Tact (2020) and Liberty Island (2023) as fillies to win both the Japanese Oaks and Shuka Sho.

Cervinia, a Japanese-bred by Harbinger, races for Sunday Racing Co., Ltd., and trainer Tetsuya Kimura. Cervinia has won two of three starts this year, with a 13th-place finish in the Japanese 1000 Guineas her only loss.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.