Oscar Performance Represented By First Japanese Winner

Sent off the 2-1 second betting favorite, Meiner Vision (Jpn) sat three wide the trip and battled on bravely through the final furlong to become the first Japanese winner and third overall for Mill Ridge Farm's freshman sire Oscar Performance (Kitten's Joy–Devine Actress, by Theatrical {Ire}) in an 1800-meter maiden at Fukushima Racecourse.

Drawn gate 11 in a scratched-down field of 12, the bay was nudged along early to take up a prominent position and landed three wide punching the breeze while firmly held by jockey Yukito Ishikawa. Settled nicely while maintaining his position into the final half-mile, the Apr. 12 foal remained three deep on the turn and was asked for some acceleration as they reached the top of the straight. Narrowly in front at the 200-meter marker, Meiner Vision looked to be headed for a stride or two by third choice My Reine (Jpn) (Logotype {Jpn}), but dug in determinedly and reported home a 3/4-length winner (SC 11).

Meiner Vision is the third foal of and first winner from his dam, $290,000 Keeneland September graduate Songoficeandfire (Dynaformer), who carried the silks of Diane Snowden and was trained by Bill Mott to placings in the 12-furlong GIII Orchid S. and GIII Bewitch S. in 2016. The mare, a daughter of G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Catchascatchcan (GB) (Pursuit of Love {GB}) and a half-sister to to Irish Group 2 winner and GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Antonius Pius (Danzig), was offered by Denali Stud carrying this colt in utero at the 2020 Keeneland January Sale, where she was hammered down to Big Red Farm for $200,000. Songoficeandfire was barren to Danon Ballade (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) for 2021 and produced a filly by Gold Ship (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) Feb. 16.

Four-time Grade I winner and track-record setter Oscar Performance, already the sire of the stakes-placed Andthewinneris from 85 reported first-crop foals, stood the 2022 breeding season at a fee of $12,500.