Uberleben finished behind Sodashi in three consecutive graded stakes in 2020, a season that ended with Sodashi being named champion 2-year-old filly and Uberleben rated as a promising supporting member of the division. The roles were reversed in Sunday’s Grade 1 Japanese Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Tokyo Racecourse. Racing at 1 1/2 miles for the first time, Uberleben (who paid $22.80 in American pools) closed from the middle of a field of 18 to win her first race at the highest level. Sodashi (the even-money favorite) faded from contention in the stretch to finish eighth, her first loss in her sixth start. The $2.3 million Japanese Oaks, formally known as the Yushun Himba, was Uberleben’s first stakes win. She was third in the Grade 2 Flora Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Tokyo on April 25. :: DRF Bets players get free Daily Racing Form Past Performances and up to 5% weekly cashback. Click to learn more.  Ridden by Mirco Demuro, Uberleben took the lead in the final furlong and won by a length over Akaitorino Musume, the 3-1 second choice. Hagino Palina, who was 214-1 in Japanese pools and listed at 99-1 in American pools, finished third, a nose behind Akaitorino Musume. Sodashi was beaten 4 1/4 lengths. Uberleben fought colic in late winter, Demuro told Japan Racing Association publicists. The filly had her first race of the year in March, finishing third in the Grade 3 Flower Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Nakayama Racecourse. Demuro said a closing style was ideal for Uberleben in the Japanese Oaks. “She showed her tenacity in steadily advancing in the straight,” Demuro said. “She was strong pulling away and holding off the others. The added distance wasn’t a problem for her at all.” Uberleben, by Gold Ship, is owned by K. Thoroughbred Club Ruffian and trained by Takahisa Tezuka. Uberleben has won 2 of 7 starts. In her only previous appearance in a Grade 1 race, Uberleben finished third behind Sodashi in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies at a mile at Hanshin Racecourse last December.