Japanese stakes win for Arrowfield graduate

Arrowfield graduate Invincible Papa scored an impressive maiden stakes victory for owner Mikako Sakota in last Sunday’s Nakayama Keiyo S. 1200m LR, his 5th success from eight starts on all-weather tracks. 

The 3YO colt, rated a 4YO in Japan, rounded out a terrific Easter weekend for Arrowfield graduates following stakes wins by Shangri La Spring (Castelvecchio-Opportunity), Matusalem (The Autumn Sun-Miss Dodwell) & Little Black Dress (Snitzel-Star Fashion).

#InglisEaster graduate INVINCIBLE PAPA (Shalaa) scored a dominant win in the Listed Keiyo Stakes in Japan on Sunday. Bred by @ArrowfieldStud, he was purchased by @michaelpasha326, @champion_hills and @satomifletcher for $200k. He now boasts a race record of 8-5:1:1 with earnings… pic.twitter.com/dBNQXRv01Q

— Inglis (@inglis_sales) April 22, 2025

Purchased for $200,000 from Arrowfield at Inglis Easter, Invincible Papa (by Shalaa) is the third foal of the Irish-bred mare Shwaimsa (by Canford Cliffs), a winning half-sister of Group winner Needlecraft, dam of Needlecraft, Japan’s Champion Sprinter & Miler of 2018. Invincible Papa’s career prizemoney now exceeds A$800,000.

Shwaimsa herself was purchased for $55,000 by Bert Vieira from Arrowfield’s 2022 Reduction Sale on Inglis Digital and has since produced a full sister to Invincible Papa, and two fillies by Trapeze Artist. 

Shalaa, now standing at Woodside Park Stud in Victoria, has compiled six stakeswinners this season headed by his first Australian Group 1 winner Mornington Glory.