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| Sumita Pawar |
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As Liberty Island gears up for the 30th March US$6 million Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic, the reigning Japanese champion 3YO filly put in a half-mile breeze on 22nd February at Ritto Training Center as part of her preparation.
The filly recently completed a half-mile breeze at Ritto Training Center on 22nd February, clocking in at :52.9 over the uphill course. This was her second recorded move since returning to training. She has been unraced since finishing second to Equinox, the 2023 Japanese Horse of the Year, in the Nov. 26 Gr.1 Japan Cup. After the Japan Cup, Liberty Island took a break and was sent to the Shigaraki Branch of Northern Farm for a 2 1/2-month reprieve.
Trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida and racing for breeder Sunday Racing, Liberty Island had a remarkable 2023 campaign, winning all three legs of the Japanese Filly Triple Crown - the Gr.1 Oka Sho, Gr.1 Yushun Himba, and Gr.1 Shuka Sho. She was named the champion 2YO filly of 2022 after her victory in the Gr.1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies.
Liberty Island will be heading to Dubai for the World Cup Carnival on 21st March. She will be accompanied by fellow Japanese runners Shahryar, the winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic in 2022, along with Group One winners Stars On Earth and Justin Palace.