Embroidery displays 'perfect' gallop as she aims for historic double Tiara in G1 Japanese Oaks
Friday, 23 May, 2025 08:03
Embroidery (Photo: Takao Sonoda)
Embroidery, the G1 Oka Sho winner aiming for the coveted double Tiara, showed off a "perfect" piece of work on May 21 at the Miho Training Center slope course. With jockey Christophe Lemaire in the irons, the filly impressed in her final trackwork ahead of the G1 Japanese Oaks, drawing praise from the rider who confidently eyes a fifth Oaks title.
The movement was befitting of a filly chasing history. Embroidery, coming off her triumph in the G1 Oka Sho, lined up for a three-horse gallop on the slope course at Miho. Sandwiched between two stablemates for much of the move, she smoothly accelerated while maintaining tight contact with Bestseller and Saffron Hero. Trainer Kazutomo Mori had told Lemaire to let her lengthen if needed, but she travelled easily throughout and finished in unison with both workmates.
She posted a personal-best time of 4F in 52.2 - 38.0 - 12.1, improving her previous mark by 1.3 seconds. Lemaire was all smiles, "It was the perfect trackwork. She took the bit well, but did not overdo it. The balance was just right. It had been a while since I last rode her, so it was great to feel her action again."
The Japanese Oaks is a race Lemaire knows well, having already won it four times. "When you're on the best horse, it's not hard to win," he said confidently. "Almond Eye, Stars on Earth, Soul Stirring, they were all top-class horses who had already won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies or Oka Sho. If a horse has the talent, stamina doesn't matter much."
And he is convinced this year's partner fits the bill, "Of course, I'm confident. Embroidery proved she's G1 class with her last win. I'm expecting another strong race from her."
After spending parts of this year riding in the Middle East and Australia, last week's G1 Victoria Mile victory with Ascoli Piceno marked Lemaire's first domestic top-level win of 2025. "I got off to a bit of a slow start this year, but I feel like I'm finally back in rhythm with Japanese racing. When I'm on a good horse, I want to do a good job."
Together with the now fully-revived Lemaire, Embroidery will bid to become just the 18th filly in history to capture both the Oka Sho and Japanese Oaks.
The movement was befitting of a filly chasing history. Embroidery, coming off her triumph in the G1 Oka Sho, lined up for a three-horse gallop on the slope course at Miho. Sandwiched between two stablemates for much of the move, she smoothly accelerated while maintaining tight contact with Bestseller and Saffron Hero. Trainer Kazutomo Mori had told Lemaire to let her lengthen if needed, but she travelled easily throughout and finished in unison with both workmates.
She posted a personal-best time of 4F in 52.2 - 38.0 - 12.1, improving her previous mark by 1.3 seconds. Lemaire was all smiles, "It was the perfect trackwork. She took the bit well, but did not overdo it. The balance was just right. It had been a while since I last rode her, so it was great to feel her action again."
The Japanese Oaks is a race Lemaire knows well, having already won it four times. "When you're on the best horse, it's not hard to win," he said confidently. "Almond Eye, Stars on Earth, Soul Stirring, they were all top-class horses who had already won the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies or Oka Sho. If a horse has the talent, stamina doesn't matter much."
And he is convinced this year's partner fits the bill, "Of course, I'm confident. Embroidery proved she's G1 class with her last win. I'm expecting another strong race from her."
After spending parts of this year riding in the Middle East and Australia, last week's G1 Victoria Mile victory with Ascoli Piceno marked Lemaire's first domestic top-level win of 2025. "I got off to a bit of a slow start this year, but I feel like I'm finally back in rhythm with Japanese racing. When I'm on a good horse, I want to do a good job."
Together with the now fully-revived Lemaire, Embroidery will bid to become just the 18th filly in history to capture both the Oka Sho and Japanese Oaks.
Article Creds:Daily Sports