Af
ter a two-year absence due to track renovations, the Group 1 Shuka Sho returned to Kyoto Racecourse on Sunday, in time to celebrate Liberty Island becoming the seventh filly in history to capture the fillies Triple Crown, the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and the Shuka Sho.
Following imperious victories in the first two legs, the Shuka Sho (2000m) set the stage for another stunning performance from the daughter of Yankee Rose.
Given a more positive ride by Yuga Kawada on the soft track, the Mitsumasa Nakauchida-trained Duramente filly made her run before the home turn. Coming five and six wide around the home bend, Liberty Island was untroubled to hold the barnstorming finish of last start Group II winner Masked Diva (Rulership) by a length, with Harper a further two and a half lengths back in third.
The Sunday Racing colour bearer was making her first start since her 6-length demolition of the Japanese Oaks on May 21.
A Group 1 winner at two, Liberty Island advances her record to five wins a second from six starts with earnings the equivalent of just under $6million.
The winner of the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes, Yankee Rose (All American) has a 2-year-old Lord Kanaloa colt, a yearling filly by Kizuna and foaled a filly by the exciting Contrail earlier this year.
