Pearl Code's superb effort in Shuka Sho

Pearl Code - pictured right during a training spin - put up a superb performance when finishing second of 18 runners in today's Gr.1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto in Japan.

Carrying the familiar yellow colours of Sheikh Fahad, the three-year-old filly sat just behind the pace for much of the race before delivering a storming run in the home straight when the pace quickened. She seemed sure to win before a very late challenge by Vivlos proved decisive Vivlos was confirming the form of the Gr.3 Shion Stakes in September, when she finished second to Biche and Pearl Code was fifth.

Today the gap narrowed, as Pearl Code (Victoire Pisa) was beaten half a length by Vivlos (Deep Impact), and she finished half a length in front of third-placed Kaiserball (Empire Maker).

Mitsu Nakauchida, who trains Pearl Code, said: ‚"She ran a huge race. She jumped off fast and tried to go with the pace, but then settled down in mid position. She travelled nicely, then quickened up and finished strongly, but was beaten by the better horse.‚"

This was Pearl Code's sixth start for Sheikh Fahad, who bought her in company with David Redvers at the JHRA Hokkaido Select Sale in July 2013 when a foal. She has won twice and was second in a Grade Two race in April.

You can watch a recording of today's Shuka Sho by visiting http://japanracing.jp/en/.