by Mike Curry

Reginetta unleashed an explosive turn of foot in the stretch to rally from off the pace under jockey Futoshi Komaki for a half-length win in the $1,672,277 Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas) on Sunday at Hanshin Racecourse.

The French Deputy filly was reserved in 12th early in the 1,600-meter (7.95-furlong) race, which drew 17 three-year-old fillies. Reginetta reeled in runner-up F T Maia and held off a powerful late bid from third-place finisher So Magic to prevail in 1:34.40 on firm turf.

Reginetta earned her first career stakes victory as a 43.40-to-1 outsider in the Oka Sho. 

Hidekazu Asami trains Reginetta for owner Shadai Race Horse. She is out of the Sunday Silence mare Aspen Leaf.

Oka Sho favorite Tall Poppy and second choice Little Amapola finished eighth and fifth, respectively.

Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor