Paradis Reine aims to recreate Mozu Katchan's path from G1 Shuka Sho third to G1 QEII Cup glory
Saturday, 15 November, 2025 02:11
Paradis Reine (Photo: Masachika Nakata)
Paradis Reine targets a championship title after finishing third in the G1 Shuka Sho. Although 3-year-olds have won only twice in the past 10 years in what is traditionally a strong race for older mares, she brings a devastating late kick, the fastest final furlong of the field last time out. Despite the demanding three-week turnaround, she shows no signs of fatigue. In 2017, Mozu Katchan captured the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup after finishing third in the Shuka Sho, and this 3-year-old filly by Kizuna looks to follow that same path.
While 4-year-olds have claimed six victories over the last decade compared to just two for 3-year-olds, the younger generation offers freshness and upward momentum. Paradis Reine is the one seeking to reenact the 2017 Mozu Katchan scenario.
Her powerful late surge in the Shuka Sho saw her closing strongly on the top two. "It was a race where a legend set a pace that no one could match, and a superstar was able to move early. The racing gods just didn't smile on us," trainer Teruhiko Chida said, praising the top finishers while lamenting her narrow defeat.
Her QEII Cup entry was not decided immediately after the Shuka Sho. With only three weeks between races, they monitored her condition until the final registration deadline. "I think she ran the strongest races in both of her autumn starts. Which also means she's the one who should be the most tired. We spent a week on post-race care, another week letting her relax on the track, and when we asked her afterwards, she basically told us she was ready. She's such a good girl, maybe she's being considerate, but she looks full of energy," Chida said.
He also noted clear signs of maturity this fall. "Before, she looked like she was running a bit awkwardly, but starting from the Rose Stakes, even her trackwork shows her legs landing cleanly on one line with no wasted motion. Her stride has become bigger." Pleased with her development, he added, "Switching from the inner course last start to the outer course this time is good for her. The extra 200 meters is a question, but she ran well in the G1 Japanese Oaks too. There's a Grand Prix winner in the field, so we'll be going in with the mindset of challenging the champion."
"Our stable tries to be loved by the racing gods and by the horses in front of us, but this time I might bring a little extra offering when I pray," he said with a smile.
For Paradis Reine, the long-awaited G1 breakthrough awaits, and maybe this time, the goddess of victory will finally smile upon her.
While 4-year-olds have claimed six victories over the last decade compared to just two for 3-year-olds, the younger generation offers freshness and upward momentum. Paradis Reine is the one seeking to reenact the 2017 Mozu Katchan scenario.
Her powerful late surge in the Shuka Sho saw her closing strongly on the top two. "It was a race where a legend set a pace that no one could match, and a superstar was able to move early. The racing gods just didn't smile on us," trainer Teruhiko Chida said, praising the top finishers while lamenting her narrow defeat.
Her QEII Cup entry was not decided immediately after the Shuka Sho. With only three weeks between races, they monitored her condition until the final registration deadline. "I think she ran the strongest races in both of her autumn starts. Which also means she's the one who should be the most tired. We spent a week on post-race care, another week letting her relax on the track, and when we asked her afterwards, she basically told us she was ready. She's such a good girl, maybe she's being considerate, but she looks full of energy," Chida said.
He also noted clear signs of maturity this fall. "Before, she looked like she was running a bit awkwardly, but starting from the Rose Stakes, even her trackwork shows her legs landing cleanly on one line with no wasted motion. Her stride has become bigger." Pleased with her development, he added, "Switching from the inner course last start to the outer course this time is good for her. The extra 200 meters is a question, but she ran well in the G1 Japanese Oaks too. There's a Grand Prix winner in the field, so we'll be going in with the mindset of challenging the champion."
"Our stable tries to be loved by the racing gods and by the horses in front of us, but this time I might bring a little extra offering when I pray," he said with a smile.
For Paradis Reine, the long-awaited G1 breakthrough awaits, and maybe this time, the goddess of victory will finally smile upon her.
Article Creds:Daily Sports