Top Japanese mare Regaleira will bid for redemption and attempt to exorcise the reputation of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) as a hoodoo race for favourites when she contests the JPY283.1 million (approx. HK$14.2 million) feature at Kyoto on Sunday (16 November).

Winner of the 2023 G1 Hopeful Stakes (2000m) at Nakayama, Regaleira succumbed to the so-called “favourite’s curse” when she was hindered in the 2024 Queen Elizabeth II Cup and finished fifth to Cristian Demuro’s mount Stunning Rose who clocked 2m 11.10s, a record-breaking time since the race has run over 2200m at Kyoto.

Spelled after a disappointing 11th behind Meisho Tabaru in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin on 15 June, Regaleira returned to form with victory in the G2 Sankei Sho All Comers (2200m) at Nakayama on 21 September.

To be ridden this weekend by Keita Tosaki, Regaleira’s connections believe she has improved since her last start.

“The horse’s action was a bit stiff (in the Sankei Sho All Comers), but there’s no mistaking her liking for the tight Nakayama course. It was great that she won the race again. She’s returned to the stable from a break at the farm and seems very well in herself,” assistant trainer Yu Ota said.

Three-year-old fillies have traditionally struggled in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup with only two victories since 2014, but Erika Express (Yutaka Take) and Paradis Reine (Mirai Iwata) are regarded as the main dangers to the high-class Regaleira, along with Lynx Tip (Cristian Demuro).

Chasing his 85th Japan Racing Association Group 1 victory, champion jockey Yutaka Take almost landed the G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) at Kyoto with a superb front-running ride on Erika Express, only to be caught late by Embroidery.

Trainer Haruki Sugiyama said: “The Kyoto track seems to suit the horse, and if she hadn’t just got caught off guard a little in the back straight last time, she may have produced a bit extra. She came out of the race well and her appetite is good.”

Paradis Reine caught the eye with a surging third in the Shuka Sho and has pleased the stable since.

Kana Tape (Damian Lane) is in brilliant form with two wins and two minor placings from her last four starts, including a course-record victory in the G3 Sekiya Kinen (1600m), where she clocked an incredible 1m 31s on 27 July at Niigata.

Trainer Noriyuki Hori said: “Kana Tape has been at the stable, recovering from her last race, and starting off her preparation for this next one. She’s done some work on the uphill, posting a good time. Damian Lane rode her on 30 October, and the horse seems to be in very good shape.”

Christophe Lemaire, who has been selected to contest the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley on 10 December, has been in stunning form this season and partners Stellenbosch.

Nominated for the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin on 14 December, Stellenbosch is chasing her first win since the 2024 G1 Oka Sho (1600m, Japanese 1000 Guineas).

The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is carded as S1-7 and will be run at 2.40pm (Hong Kong time) on Sunday, 16 November.