Reginetta eyes Japanese Oaks

Reginetta, winner of the Japanese 1000 Guineas, will attempt to add a second classic to her resume at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday when she takes on 17 rivals in the $2.2 million Yushun Himba, or Japanese Oaks. There are a number of circumstances against her, however, not least her ability to stay 1 1/2 miles.

A Guineas surprise at 42-1, Reginetta has never raced beyond a mile. Moreover, there are questions concerning her true ability. There were only two lengths separating the first nine home in the 1000 Guineas, suggesting a changing of the guard in the Oaks.

Two Guineas also-rans stand out. Little Amapola closed from far back to finish fifth, while Tall Poppy, a daughter of Jungle Pocket, who won both the Japanese Derby and the Japan Cup over the Oaks course and distance, closed nearly as well to be eighth in the Guineas.

So Magic, third in the Guineas, is bred to stay 1 1/2 miles, as she is by Symboli Kris S. out of a Fairy King mare. Red Agate and Aroma Candle are both coming off victories at Tokyo, albeit against lesser. And Odile, by Kurofune out of a Darshaan mare, deserves another chance after being outpaced in the 1000 Guineas in finishing 12th. This Oaks is a grab bag, but the lucky selection may be the Katsuhiko Sumii-trained Tall Poppy.