The curtain-raiser for the autumn racing season saw Christmas Parade, the 5th favourite, claim victory in the 3-year-old fillies' G2 Shion Stakes. Tracking in second throughout the race, she took the lead early at the top of the straight and showed no signs of tiring, crossing the line in a record-breaking 1:56.6, securing her first graded stakes win.

Jockey Yukito Ishikawa, guiding her to victory, celebrated his first graded stakes title since announcing his marriage in August. "The track was in great condition, and I had a feeling it could produce a record time, but it still surprised me. She's still a bit immature mentally, but the stable has done a fantastic job fine-tuning her, and I think she has a bright future ahead," Ishikawa said with a smile following a brilliant ride.

Finishing second was Mi Anhelo, the 3rd favourite, while the favourite, Bond Girl, had to settle for third after a late but unsuccessful charge. The top three finishers all secured their spots in the G1 Shuka Sho (October 13, Kyoto Racecourse).