SODASHI became the first pure white horse to Win a Japanese Grade 1 race when the 2-year-old daughter of the gray American-bred KUROFUNE Won Sunday’s 72nd running of the $1.3-million Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Hanshin Racecourse.

Ridden by Hayato Yoshida, and trained by Naosuke Sugai, she nosed out SATONO REINAS and CHRISOPHE LEMAIRE.

SODASHI covered the one mile turf course in 1:32.40. The Win in the Grade 1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies keeps her undefeated in four starts, and would seem to assure her the title of champion 2-year-old filly.

SODASHI was produced from the white mare BUCHIKO– who was registered as white but had spots throughout her body.

BUCHIKO was produced from the white mare SHIRAYUKIHIME, a daughter of the nearly jet-black SUNDAY SILENCE.

SODAASHI defeated Maidens in her July debut, then took both the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes in September and the G3 Artemis Stakes in October.

After being reluctant to load into the starting gate in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, the pure white filly raced in 4th early on, moved to the lead in the final quarter mile then resolutely held off SATONO REINAS in the closing stages of the race.

“Going into the race as Favorite (2-1) was a bit of a load, but I’m thrilled with the outcome,” jockey Yoshida said. ‘She hated to even go near the gate but I’m relieved that all went well and that we were able to be positioned just as I hoped. The going affected her good turn of foot but she gave all she had. There is room for improvement, and I hope we can get her ready for next year’s classics.”

Might one of those Classics next year be the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, on the first Friday in May ?

Stay tuned.