Vodka, that incredible filly that knocked the boys flat in the '07 Derby and became the first filly to do so in over 60 years, carried a powerful kick again Sunday in the group I fall Emperor's Cup, the 138th running of the Tennosho.
The real punch, however, didn't come until over 10 minutes after she crossed the finish line in a photo finish tieup with Daiwa Scarlet, winner of three group 1 races last year — the classic Okasho, Shukasho and the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Stakes.
It was too close to call. Daiwa Scarlet had gone to the lead from the gate hugging the rail, with Vodka breaking from the No. 14 post and moving in and up to fifth position, not an easy feat in a 2,000-meter course at Tokyo, where the race starts from the pocket in the first bend.