Racing fans are looking to four standouts in this Sunday’s (19 May) G1 Yushun Himba (2400m) at Tokyo, where star filly Stellenbosch, winner of the G1 Oka Sho (1600m), the first leg of the Japanese Triple Tiara, will attempt to enhance a formidable record.

Expected to go to the gate as favourite among 18 nominees, Stellenbosch has always proven a rock of dependability. Stellenbosch has finished either first or second in her five starts so far and two of those were at the top level. The Northern Farm-bred bay has had four different riders and, this time, she’ll have a fifth in Keita Tosaki. Distance is the main concern, as she, like many of the Yushin Himba (Japanese Oaks) runners, will be racing over 2400 metres for their first time.

The ground was fast at both training centres on Wednesday morning (15 May), as this week’s Group 1 hopefuls were given their final fast work.

Stellenbosch looked in fine shape as she worked under an assistant to Sakae Kunieda over six furlongs on the flat for a time of 1m 23.6s.

“She’s coming along just fine,” said the 69-year-old Kunieda, who has won the Oaks twice before. “She seemed a little slow over the first half, so I radioed the rider to up the pace.

“I think her time was just right and she quickened nicely in the end. Since the Oka Sho, she’s been relaxed, eating well and in good health. From her conformation, she has always looked like a filly that could handle more distance, and the change from the Hanshin mile to the Tokyo 2400m should be good. I have no worries whatsoever.”

Joao Moreira, who rode Stellenbosch in the Oka Sho, is riding in Brazil this weekend, so the reins have been handed over to Tosaki, who rode work last week. “She has a great competitive spirit,” said Kunieda. “She’s not timid and is fine with squeezing through a tight spot, and I’m looking to Tosaki to bring out her best.”

Yutaka Take, who just notched his 4,500th career win last weekend, has won the Oaks three times, the last time in 1996. Since then, however, the now 55-year-old Take has had two frustrating seconds, and two thirds. Sweep Feet is his chance this year, but it’s the first time in her seven career starts that the daughter of G1 Japan Cup (2400m) winner Suave Richard has taken on anything longer than 1600 metres.

Take, who rode Sweep Feet in her last two races, gave her a new tactic, settling her to the rear of the field and taking advantage of her late kick to bring her home in first in the G2 Tulip Sho (1600m), then in fourth place in the Oka Sho. Take acknowledged that the change in distance could not be taken lightly.

“It’s the main thing, the sudden longer distance and for her first time. She’s going to need the stamina. How well she works in hand will be crucial and she’s a bit keen even at 1600 (metres),” said Take, known as a master at settling over-eager horses. “I do think the long stretch at Tokyo will be good for her.”

Finishing in third only one length off the winner in the Oka Sho, Light Back has made the money three times and the board in all her four starts. She’s a chronic late breaker, however, she should welcome the extra distance. Both her fourth in the G3 Artemis Stakes (1600m) at Tokyo, and her debut win over 1800m at the left-handed Niigata indicate that neither the extra distance nor the return to Tokyo should work against her.

On Wednesday morning, Light Back looked good training with a training partner on the Ritto flat. Relaxed and laid back, she covered six furlongs in 1m 23.5s, with nice acceleration over the final furlong for a time of 11.5s. She had, among other changes, a new bit and a new training routine for the Oka Sho and trainer Taiki Chaki says: “She has made a lot of progress and I have my expectations up.”

Yuga Kawada, currently leading Japan’s jockey, eyes his second Oaks win in a row after winning last year aboard eventual filly triple crown champion Liberty Island. He’s partnered this year with Queen’s Walk, a filly Kawada’s been together with from the beginning.

Started over 1800 metres, Queen’s Walk broke her maiden on her second outing, then captured the G3 Daily Hai Queen Cup over the Tokyo mile. Eighth in the Oka Sho, the return to Tokyo should be a plus. As for the extra 800m, trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, who rode work Wednesday, says: “She worked hard last week and her condition improved dramatically. She was relaxed today and her balance was good. I think she’ll be fine with the distance.

“The inside gate in the Oka Sho made for a tough race for her and she wasn’t able to bring out her best. But this race has always been our main target.”