Umbrail (R5, Tokyo, Newcomer, 1400m, Saturday June 18)

Newcomer wins don’t get more professional than this. This filly has got an engine but knows how to use it. Jumping from barrier 15, Christophe Lemaire assessed the situation and allowed the 2.1 favourite to roll forward to sit outside the leader. Umbrail could have easily switched off or wandered when left alone at the top of the big Tokyo straight but she responded beautifully under hands and heels urging by Lemaire. She gapped them by three and a half lengths with something in hand.

Umbrail is by Lord Kanaloa and a full sister of 2018 Mile Championships winner Stelvio, and trainer Tetsuya Kimura thinks that we will see her best at 1600 and 1800 meters in future.

The big margin was eye-catching but it was the ability to switch off, and on again, in a race that is really exciting for a newcomer.

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Mama Cocha (R8, Hanshin, Sunday June 19)

The bay three-year-old filly Mama Cocha may not be the same colour as her big full sister – the idol horse Sodashi – but clearly she has caught some of the ability. Mama Cocha was runner-up in the Elfin Stakes in February but missed the Spring Classics.

There were high expectations around her return – she started 1.3 favourite – on Sunday. Jockey Kohei Matsuyama kept Mama Cocha out of trouble in the run by parking her up near the pace and wide and she was made to fight by the older mare A Shin Pixel. Matuyama praised the performance and believes there is upside.

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