Interview with team Regaleira ahead of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Thursday, 07 November, 2024 15:57
Regaleira (Photo: Takao Sonoda)
Regaleira, aiming for her second G1 victory since the Hopeful Stakes, completed her final track work on November 6th at Miho Training Center's woodchip track in preparation for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup. In a paired workout, she impressed with a powerful final furlong in 11.0 seconds. Although her three races this year have resulted in sixth, fifth, and fifth-place finishes respectively, she appears to be on track for a comeback. Similarly, Stunning Rose, the 2022 Shuka Sho winner, worked strongly at Ritto Training Center's slope course with her new partner, jockey Christian Demuro.
Regaleira's paired run at Miho Training Center saw her chasing Umbrail from a length behind and moving to the inside as they entered the stretch. Without urging, she finished alongside her partner in 82.2 seconds for six furlongs and displayed notable acceleration in the final furlong. Her energy and impressive stretch drive were reminders of her G1 prowess. Trainer Tetsuya Kimura and jockey Christophe Lemaire shared their insights on her preparation.
Trainer Tetsuya Kimura
Interviewer - What were the final trackwork goals?
Trainer Kimura - "We wanted to simulate a race scenario. I aimed to see her start energetically, settle well, and show effort in the stretch."
Interviewer - Your reaction to her performance?
Trainer Kimura - "I feel relieved."
Interviewer - The reason for choosing the Queen Elizabeth II Cup over the Shuka Sho?
Trainer Kimura - "There's a strong runner in the Shuka Sho (Cervinia from our stable), and I thought the larger course would suit her better."
Interviewer - Your message to the fans?
Trainer Kimura - "I fully understand that we haven't met fans' expectations this year. Keeping that in mind, we're working to have her in the best possible condition for Sunday."
Jockey Christophe Lemaire
Interviewer - Reflections on her last race, the Rose Stakes?
Jockey Lemaire - "It was her first race in four months, and she was up 10kg. She wasn't yet at peak condition, and drawing the 15th barrier didn't help. She showed a good closing kick but ran out of time. Her final 200 meters were excellent."
Interviewer - Any changes since the spring?
Jockey Lemaire - "She's become stronger. She was a bit stiff during the Japanese Derby, but she felt perfect in the Rose Stakes."
Interviewer - Any areas to improve?
Jockey Lemaire - "Her weakness is her start. She's often a step slow, so we struggle to find an ideal position. I hope for a good break to place her mid-pack this time."
Interviewer - What were your experiences with three previous wins in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and how does Regaleira compare?
Jockey Lemaire - "Her potential is very high, similar to last year's winner, Brede Weg. It's been an unlucky season, but I expect a strong race from her. She has a sharp turn of foot, and I'm confident she has the ability to win another G1."
Regaleira's paired run at Miho Training Center saw her chasing Umbrail from a length behind and moving to the inside as they entered the stretch. Without urging, she finished alongside her partner in 82.2 seconds for six furlongs and displayed notable acceleration in the final furlong. Her energy and impressive stretch drive were reminders of her G1 prowess. Trainer Tetsuya Kimura and jockey Christophe Lemaire shared their insights on her preparation.
Trainer Tetsuya Kimura
Interviewer - What were the final trackwork goals?
Trainer Kimura - "We wanted to simulate a race scenario. I aimed to see her start energetically, settle well, and show effort in the stretch."
Interviewer - Your reaction to her performance?
Trainer Kimura - "I feel relieved."
Interviewer - The reason for choosing the Queen Elizabeth II Cup over the Shuka Sho?
Trainer Kimura - "There's a strong runner in the Shuka Sho (Cervinia from our stable), and I thought the larger course would suit her better."
Interviewer - Your message to the fans?
Trainer Kimura - "I fully understand that we haven't met fans' expectations this year. Keeping that in mind, we're working to have her in the best possible condition for Sunday."
Jockey Christophe Lemaire
Interviewer - Reflections on her last race, the Rose Stakes?
Jockey Lemaire - "It was her first race in four months, and she was up 10kg. She wasn't yet at peak condition, and drawing the 15th barrier didn't help. She showed a good closing kick but ran out of time. Her final 200 meters were excellent."
Interviewer - Any changes since the spring?
Jockey Lemaire - "She's become stronger. She was a bit stiff during the Japanese Derby, but she felt perfect in the Rose Stakes."
Interviewer - Any areas to improve?
Jockey Lemaire - "Her weakness is her start. She's often a step slow, so we struggle to find an ideal position. I hope for a good break to place her mid-pack this time."
Interviewer - What were your experiences with three previous wins in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and how does Regaleira compare?
Jockey Lemaire - "Her potential is very high, similar to last year's winner, Brede Weg. It's been an unlucky season, but I expect a strong race from her. She has a sharp turn of foot, and I'm confident she has the ability to win another G1."
Article Creds:Daily Sports