Although 'what if' is almost a taboo word when it comes to racing, Shihorin's last race, the G3 Artemis Stakes, was one where you could not help but wish that the front had opened in the straight. Given that she was a length and a half behind the winner at the post, it would have been better if the race had been smoother, but trainer Takei said "In the last race, the front got bunched-up. She was able to chase the leaders with about 150 metres to go and she fought on well. That was good to see." He praised the horse's strong mentality.

Despite coming off a near three-month lay-off, she chased Hearts Concerto by five lengths in a week's training on January 3rd, covering five furlongs in 67.8 seconds and the final furlong in 12.2 seconds, a length behind the lead horse but showing a solid stretch under heavy restraint.

"Hearts Concerto was a good runner. Although slowed down by the heavy woodchip, she is in good condition. She was ready to run last week," said trainer Takei, who believes the Nakayama turf mile, where she scored her first win, is a good stage for her. "The Nakayama mile is good and she has a good start and a good feel for the track. I have no problem with the hills either."

Only one hurdle remains. "I hope she gets through the lottery." As he cannot be sure that she will run for the prize money, he expressed his fervent wish. Her grandmother is Fusaichi Pandora, winner of the 2006 Queen Elizabeth 2 Cup, and her aunt is the famous Almond Eye, winner of nine G1 races. This will be the first race of the year for this blue-blooded horse, who is expected to perform well in the Classics this spring.