Japan: Stellenbosch rebounds with Japanese 1000 Guineas triumph

Nearly four months after she lost the 2023 title for Japanese champion 2-year-old filly with a neck loss in a Grade 1 race, Stellenbosch began her current season in ideal manner on Sunday, winning the Grade 1 Japanese 1000 Guineas for 3-year-old fillies at Hanshin Racecourse.

Stellenbosch, who paid $10 in American pools as the second choice in a field of 18, edged Ascoli Piceno, who clinched the 2023 champion 2-year-old filly title by winning the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies over Stellenbosch in December at the same track.

Ascoli Piceno was the 2-1 favorite in the $2 million Japanese 1000 Guineas at a mile and was beaten three-quarters of a length by Stellenbosch.

Light Back (26-1) finished third, a neck behind Ascoli Piceno.

Stellenbosch, by Epiphaneia, closed from mid-pack with a wide move under jockey Joao Moreira. Stellenbosch took the lead in the final furlong, and held off a sustained threat from Ascoli Piceno.

Moreira, riding in Japan on a short-term license, is a former leading rider in Hong Kong. He rode Stellenbosch for the first time in the 1000 Guineas.

“She didn’t jump very well, but she did nothing wrong during the race,” Moreira told Japan Racing Association publicity. “She was very impressive.”

Moreira had Stellenbosch off the pace turning into the stretch and overcame brief traffic issues with more than a quarter-mile remaining.

“She went up front a little bit too early,” Moreira said. “I was worried she couldn’t sustain her speed all the way to the end, but as good horses do, she has proved to be capable.”

Stellenbosch, who races for owner Katsumi Yoshida and trainer Sakae Kunieda, has won 3 of 5 starts. The 1000 Guineas was her first stakes win.

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