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The first of the Japanese classics is the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) run at Hanshin on Sunday.

Daring Tact was a grand winner last year. Could the 2021 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) (1600m) at Hanshin on Sunday be as good?

2021 OKA SHO (JAPANESE 1000 GUINEAS) - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) is a Grade 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year old fillies at Hanshin racecourse conducted by the Japan Racing Association.

The Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1939 and was won by Soul Lady.

The Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) was worth JPY226,800,000 in 2021.

Hanshin racecourse is a right handed course with the start halfway up the back straight.

Some of the big name winners of the 1000 Guineas have ended up Japan Cup heroines.

Buena Vista would win the Oaks after this race. She would eventually win a Japan Cup after losing the 2010 edition on protest.

That meant Gentildonna remained the only horse to win two Japan Cups. The second one came after winning the Guineas earlier in her outstanding 2012.

Almond Eye maintained her sensational form. She won the 1000 Guineas, Japanese Oaks, Shuka Sho and Japan Cup – the latter in an incredible time.

Daring Tact went so close to emulating that feat in 2020 by winning the triple crown then running a great third in the Cup.

The most successful recent jockey is Katsumi Ando with four since 2006. Christophe Lemaire has won the last two.

Hiroyoshi Matsuda has three recent wins as a trainer.

Notable winners of the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) include Daring Tact (2020), Gran Alegria (2019), Almond Eye (2018), Let's Go Donki (2015), Harp Star (2014), Gentildonna (2012), Apapane (2010), Buena Vista (2009), Daiwa Scarlet (2007), Dance In The Mood (2004), Still In Love (2003) and Oguri Roman (1994).

The 2020 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) was won by Daring Tact from Resistencia and Smile Kana.