Star Anise dominated the Oka Sho and launched her bid for the Japanese Triple Tiara

The two-year-old champion confirmed her full potential at Hanshin, authoritatively dominating the first leg of the series and emerging as the great figure of her generation

HANSHIN, Japan (Special to Turf Diario)— Japan launched its classic season for fillies with a performance that left little room for doubt. At Hanshin, Star Anise confirmed her star status with a commanding victory in the Oka Sho (G1), the local equivalent of the 1000 Guineas.

Winner of the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) in December, the daughter of Drefong returned after a four-month layoff in superior fashion, dominating a large field of 18 competitors over the mile. With Kohei Matsuyama in the irons, Star Anise had a perfect trip.

She settled mid-pack while Longing Celine (Maurice) set a demanding pace, building her victory from there. Always well-contained with fluid action, she moved decisively upon entering the homestretch. With 400 meters to go, she was already level with the leaders. When Matsuyama asked for an effort, the response was immediate and powerful. In just a few strides, she left the field behind and drew away clearly, crossing the wire 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Garavogue (Lord Kanaloa), repeating the exact order the two established in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies.

Further back, and at a good price, Zippy Tune (Lord Kanaloa) took third over I Need You (Fine Needle), while other favorites, Dream Core (Kizuna) and Lily Joie (Silver State), disappointed in ninth and eleventh, respectively.

The win held special value for Star Anise, who carried the weight of being Japan’s Champion 2-Year-Old Filly. "The race seemed very even, but I had full confidence in my mare," explained Matsuyama, who secured his second Oka Shoafter winning with Daring Tact (Epiphaneia) in 2020. "The most important thing was to maintain a good rhythm. I felt she had plenty of energy and could respond when needed. And she did it very easily," the jockey added.

For trainer Tomokazu Takano, the victory marked his first classic success in a race of this magnitude. Star Anise now boasts wins at Kokura, the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, and this Oka Sho. The path, however, has just begun. The next stop will be the Yushun Himba (G1)—the Japanese Oaks—on May 24 in Tokyo, before the finale in the Shuka Sho (G1) in October at Kyoto. Only seven fillies in history have completed the Japanese Triple Tiara, including legends like Almond Eye (Lord Kanaloa) and Liberty Island (Duramente). Based on what was seen at Hanshin, Star Anise has earned the right to dream of joining that group.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhOtal7lgNY