Alancar, ridden by Yutaka Take, cruised to the lead in a three-horse workout on the polytrack, showing easy handling. The filly, who finished fifth in the Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), positioned at the rear during the drill and maintained smooth rhythm. On the straight, she shifted to the inside and took command with comfortable effort, crossing first without serious urging.
Her time of 71.4 seconds for 5 furlongs with a final 11.3-second furlong was not flashy, but the movement was light and fluid, indicating steady progress. Take commented after the session: “She moved well. She tends to eat less after traveling, so I was careful not to push too hard in this light workout. Her condition looks good. In the Oka Sho, she used her legs well in the final stages, but the field of 18 was tough for her. If she settles, the 2400-meter distance should be no problem. Tokyo suits her, and this race should be easier than the Oka Sho.”
This Friday workout marks one week before the Grade 1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) scheduled for May 24 at Tokyo Racecourse, a 2400-meter turf test for 3-year-old fillies. Alancar’s ability to handle the longer distance and the polytrack surface will be key as she aims to improve from her Oka Sho effort.