2025 G1 Queen Elizabeth Cup
Venue: Kyoto Racecourse
Distance: 2200m (Turf)
Value: ¥283,100,000 (approx. US$1.89 million)
First held in 1976 as the finale to Japan’s Fillies’ Triple Crown, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup became open to older mares in 1996 and now serves as the autumn championship for female turf stars. From Daiwa Scarlet, through Snow Fairy and Lys Gracieux, to Lucky Lilac and Geraldina, its roll of honour is rich with names that enjoy domestic renown and international acclaim – and this year’s renewal promises to add another to that list.
Will A 3YO Filly Claim The Cup Again?
Only two three-year-olds have won the QEII Cup since 2014, the most recent being Brede Weg in 2023. This year’s challenge is led by fillies coming out of the G1 Shuka Sho, the runner-up Erika Express and third-placed Paradis Reine, as well as the G1 Oka Sho third Lynx Tip, who must overcome both age and experience disadvantages against older mares.
Lemaire On Fire
Christophe Lemaire is in irresistible form with 17 wins in the last two weeks, including three straight JRA Group 1 victories – and four if you count his Jpn1 success in the JBC Classic on the NAR circuit last week. He partners Stellenbosch, whose winless 2025 season – last year’s Oka Sho winner has been unplaced in three starts this time in – means she needs to reverse her form dramatically if Lemaire is to extend his streak at Kyoto.
Regaleira’s Redemption Mission
Star filly Regaleira won the G1 Arima Kinen last December after placing fifth in the QEII Cup. She returns to Kyoto seeking redemption for that below par run and she does so after winning the G2 Sankei Sho All Comers in impressive style. Yet, she has never won in the Kansai region – she was the short-priced favourite in this race last year and then well beaten when second favourite in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin in June. It is a curious jinx and she needs to turn that form around if plans for the Hong Kong International Races in December are to come to fruition.
The Foreign Jockey Factor
Foreign riders have dominated this race in recent years, taking eight of the past 10 editions – among them Lemaire, Christian Demuro, Mirco Demuro, Joao Moreira and Christophe Soumillon. Once again, foreigners feature prominently with Damian Lane (Kana Tape), last year’s winning rider Christian Demuro (Lynx Tip) and Lemaire (Stellenbosch) all aboard genuine contenders.
Kitasan Black’s Daughters
Kitasan Black has sired stars like Equinox, Croix du Nord and Sol Oriens – but never a Group 1-winning filly. That drought could end this Sunday with Coconuts Brown, Admire Matsuri and Lynx Tip all bidding to make history for their sire. Admire Matsuri arrives in top form after her G3 Fukushima Himba Stakes triumph. Coconuts Brown is already Kitasan Black’s highest earning female progeny and her consistency makes her a genuine threat. ∎
