Japan: Lei Papale notches upset in Grade 1 debut

The 4-year-old filly Lei Papale won her Grade 1 debut by leading throughout Sunday’s $2.3 million Osaka Hai at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan in a 10-1 upset.

Lei Papale beat a field that included two champions. The victory extended Lei Papale’s unbeaten streak to six races.

Ridden by Yuga Kawada, Lei Papale seemed to thrive on the rain-soaked yielding turf course, never facing a significant challenge through the stretch. Lei Papale ($22.20 in American pools) won the Osaka Hai at 1 1/4 miles by four lengths over 45-1 Mozu Bello.

“She felt good during the post parade and she was able to jump into her rhythm throughout the race without being pressed,” Kawada told Japan Racing Association publicity. “I was able to shift her out without interfering (with) the horses coming from behind for her stretch run, as there was still plenty of room between her and the rest of the field at the top of the stretch.

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“To still have the strength to find another gear over the turf condition, she is an exceptional filly to keep her speed right to the end.”

Contrail, the champion 3-year-old male of 2020 in Japan, finished third as the 3-5 favorite, beaten 4 3/4 lengths. This was the first time Contrail had finished worse than second in his nine-race career. Contrail, who won the 2020 Japanese Triple Crown, had his 2021 debut in the Osaka Hai, and first start since a second in the Grade 1 Japan Cup last November.

Gran Alegria, the 2-1 second choice, and the champion sprinter or miler in Japan in 2020, finished fourth in a field of 13 in the Osaka Hai, her first start at 1 1/4 miles.

Lei Papale, by Deep Impact, races for U. Carrot Farm and trainer Tomokazu Takano. Lei Papale started for the first time this year on Sunday. In 2020, Lei Papale won five starts, ending the year with a victory in the Grade 3 Challenge Cup at 1 1/4 miles at Hanshin in December.