Time is running short, but opportunity knocks for Reina de Arcilla in the G3 Miyako Stakes, a precious chance to secure a graded stakes victory before trainer Masato Nishizono (69) retires next March. The filly hails from a deep stable bloodline, her dam Andes Queen captured three JRA & NAR exchange graded stakes, while her half-sister Andes Viento won last year's Kanto Oaks, both under the care of Nishizono. "The dam and her first foal both became graded winners, and now this one has reached that stage too. I'm truly grateful," the trainer said with emotion.

Reina de Arcilla earned her place in open company with three consecutive front-running victories. "The dam was quiet, but her daughters have a fierce spirit. This one's even more muscular and powerful than her sister," Nishizono noted with pride. Known for his ability to read a horse's nature and optimise its racing style, he referenced past standouts like Silport, Hakusan Moon, and Meisho Funjin. "Our stable has always produced many front-runners. Modern racing is about minimising wasted movement, that's what I learned in my 24 years as a jockey, and I've carried that lesson into my training." Reina de Arcilla embodies that very philosophy.

With only four months left in his career, Nishizono is taking nothing for granted. "I'm not looking ahead, each race is everything now," he said with determination. "The competition is tough, but if she can run her own race, she has a real chance." Riding momentum and family legacy alike, the spirited three-year-old filly aims to reshape the dirt racing landscape.