For the first time in 64 years, a filly won the $2,344,262 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), the most prestigious race in Japanese racing, as that country’s 2006 champion juvenile filly Vodka captured the title in the 74th running of the race for Japanese-breeds.

Yuzo Tanimizu’s Vodka, receiving a five-pound gender allowance, was settled in midpack in the 18-horse field by jockey Hirofumi Shii. Racing uphill in the stretch, Vodka ran down the leaders to gain the lead with 200 meters to go and went on to win by three lengths to score the historic victory in 2:24.50 for 1 1/2 miles on the turf.

Asakusa Kings was second, 1 3/4 lengths in front of Admire Aura. Favored Fusaichi Ho O never was comfortable and finished seventh.

The only other fillies to win the Japanese Derby were Hisatomo in 1937 and Kurifuji in 1943.

Vodka is by the Roberto-line stallion Tanino Gimlet, winner of the 2002 Japanese Derby. She improved her record to five wins from seven starts, never worse than second, with earnings of $3,063,289 under the guidance of trainer Katshuhiko Sumii.

“I got a good response out of her on the final turn,” Shii told Striding Thoroughbreds in Japan. “I pushed her as hard as possibly as we broke away from the pack in the stretch. The plan was to save ground and bring her to the outside going into the stretch. That's exactly what happened in the race. It was the most honorable thing to ride a Derby winner as a jockey. I feel great."

Bred by Country Bozuko in Hokkaido, Vodka is the second winner from three starters produced by the Rousillon mare Tanino Sister.