Pearls bidding to shine

Pearl Code and Pearl Dragon are bidding for Stakes-race glory in Japan and France this weekend.

The Mitsu Nakauchida-trained Pearl Code (pictured right in training) tackles Sunday's Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Kyoto (15.40 local time, 06.40 in UK), while Pearl Dragon runs for Mikel Delzangles' stable in the Gr.2 Prix Denisy at Saint Cloud tomorrow (15.45, and 14.45 in UK).

A repeat of Pearl Code's superb run when second in last month's Gr.1 Shuka Sho - also at Kyoto would give her a fine chance of going one better, although she has to overcome a draw that puts her wide of the 15-runner field.

Nakauchida is not too concerned however, and says: ‚"She is fast from the gate, so it should not be a problem, and I'm hoping she should be able to get a position before the first turn. The ground should be fine we have had some rain, but the forecast is for dry weather and if the ground dries that will suit her.‚"

Yuga Kawada will again be in the saddle and wearing Sheikh Fahad's familiar Pearl Bloodstock colours.

Pearl Dragon also carries Pearl Bloodstock colours for his mission against ten rivals in a race which has attracted competitors from Britain and Ireland. A winner at Chantilly on his most recent outing, Pearl Dragon proved he stays 3,000m on that occasion Vincent Cheminaud takes the ride.