Joao Moreira Shines with Embroidery in Japan’s Oka Sho, Japanese 1000 Guineas

The Brazilian jockey gave a flawless ride to the daughter of Admire Mars, who edged Arma Veloce by a neck

Embroidery Topples Champion Arma Veloce in Oka Sho Thriller / JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION

HANSHIN, Japón (Special for Turf Diario).- Third choice Embroidery earned her first Group 1 victory in style Sunday, capturing the historic Oka Sho (G1)—Japan's version of the 1000 Guineas—at Hanshin Racecourse. The daughter of Admire Mars stitched together her third consecutive win and capped a steadily rising campaign with the most significant triumph of her young career, also providing her sire with his first G1 winner at stud.

After finishing second on debut at Tokyo going a mile in June of last year, Embroidery broke her maiden next out at Niigata over 1800 meters. She then finished a close fifth against males in the Saffron Sho and closed her juvenile season with a win over 1400 meters at Tokyo. Her 3-year-old debut was a victory in the G3 Queen Cup, a key prep for the Oka Sho, which she now adds to her résumé as Japan’s top sophomore filly at a mile.

For trainer Kazutomo Mori, it marked a first Group 1 title and third graded stakes win overall, all within just his second season with a JRA license. As for Brazilian jockey João Moreira, who was also aboard Embroidery in her debut, it was his second straight win in the Oka Sho following last year’s success aboard Stellenbosch (Epiphaneia). Moreira, who recently scored in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1), now boasts four career G1 wins in Japan.

Settled midpack in a patient ride, Embroidery traveled smoothly around tenth early on, kept wide but in rhythm under a perfectly measured Moreira. Turning for home, the Brazilian ace waited for a seam and found room inside, quickly taking command from longtime leader Erika Express (Epiphaneia), who had set a brisk pace but began to tire late. From the outside came a determined Arma Veloce (Harbinger)—Japan’s reigning 2-Year-Old Filly Champion—and the two fillies battled in a thrilling stretch duel, with Embroidery finding just a bit more to prevail by a half-neck.

“It’s another Group 1 win in Japan, which is never easy, and I’m very happy,” Moreira said. “The ground was very wet after all the rain today, and we weren’t sure how she’d handle it, but she responded brilliantly. Once she found space, she showed her class. I’m grateful for the chance to ride another special filly here.”

Arma Veloce, always shadowing the winner, launched her bid widest of all under Mirai Iwata, matching strides late but unable to get past. Lynx Tip (Kitasan Black), last early, uncorked a powerful stretch rally to finish third, 2 1/2 lengths back.

Erika Express, the heavy public choice, shot to the front from the gate and carved out a solid pace, but the early exertion caught up with her late, and she faded in the final furlong.