Kodama came through with a sharp maiden win Thursday in her first start of the year, acing a turf sprint for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park.

Junior Alvarado and the spirited Irish-bred filly both displayed patience: she is quick, but she was content to settle off a pacesetter and kick home on cue for Junior in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length.

Kodama raced three times as a 2-year-old for trainer Christophe Clement and was making her first start since August 1.

This could be a big week for Kodama and her family: half brother Taxiwala is part of the full field for Saturday’s Grade 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Saturday’s Dubai World Cup card at Meydan.