Horse Profile: Otomena Shacho

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report)

Although Otomena Shacho was no match for American Bikini in an about five-furlong scramble at Kokura, she took a step forward to set a juvenile track record of her own next time out.

Kentucky-bred Otomena Shacho was purchased for $200,000 as a Keeneland September yearling by trailblazing trainer Mori (see Ecoro Sieg in the Juvenile Turf Sprint). She is by Speightstown and out of the Grade 2-winning Mylady Curlin. A Curlin mare as her name suggests, Mylady Curlin scored both of her graded victories at 1 1/8 miles, the 2019 Allaire duPont Distaff (G3) and Falls City H. (G2). 

Otomena Shacho has improved her finishing position in each start. When third in a June 29 newcomers’ race at Kokura, she was a bit outpaced chasing early in the about five-furlong sprint, went wider on the right-handed turn, and stayed on generously. She wheeled back over the same track and trip July 13, only to run into the buzzsaw named American Bikini. But she was in a zip code of her own as best of the rest by eight lengths.

Stepping up to about six furlongs at Chukyo Sept. 15, Otomena Shacho romped by five front-running lengths over males. The heavy favorite was impressive on two counts: by pulling away under a hand ride in the stretch, and clocking a juvenile track record in 1:10.7 in the mud. The previous benchmark was 1:11.1. 

Like American Bikini, Otomena Shacho faces the class hike along with the challenge to adapt as a relatively inexperienced filly. But she has the added question of having to reverse form with American Bikini. She’s also taking a slightly bigger jump in distance, although her pedigree is encouraging for it.