Code fourth at Kyoto

The Mitsu Nakauchida-trained Pearl Code produced another excellent effort when fourth against older fillies and mares in today's Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Kyoto in Japan.

One of two three-year-olds in the 15-runner line-up, Pearl Code (pictured right) had enough speed to overcome her draw in stall 15, and was sitting in a handy position just behind the pace as the runners took the first turn.

Ridden by Yuga Kawada, she held third down the back straight and was poised to strike as they turned for home, but after initially quickening could find no more and lost third place near the finish. The first three home, headed by the winner, Queens Ring under Mirco Demuro, were four-year-olds.

This was another good effort by Pearl Code, who races in the Pearl Bloodstock colours of Sheikh Fahad, and who had finished second against her own age group in the Gr.1 Shuka Sho also at Kyoto last month.

Following today's race, Nakauchida said: ‚"Pearl Code tried really hard against older horses, and it was a better race today. She has plenty of room to improve and will be a nice horse for next year.‚"

Click on the link to watch a recording of the race and the full result.

http://japanracing.jp/en/index.html