Tastiera asserted her class against a brilliant international field to conquer the FWD QEII Cup

Japanese racing experienced another moment of glory, this time in Hong Kong, shining as the main protagonist of FWD Champions Day on Sunday

For Tastiera, it was another G1 victory in her campaign / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special for Turf Diario) – Tastiera was unstoppable upon her return to Sha Tin, dominating the renewed edition of the FWD QEII Cup (G1-2000m), with a purse of HK$28 million, on April 27.

The 5-year-old had already shown her quality in Hong Kong when finishing third behind Romantic Warrior(Acclamation) in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (G1-2000m) last December. The local champion had won this race for the past three years, but this time was absent, leaving the way clear for Tastiera to leave her mark of class against a stellar international field, under the guidance of Damian Lane and the training of Noriyuki Hori.

“Noriyuki Hori is a fantastic trainer, and this horse is simply a star,” Lane noted. “It’s a great success for Carrot Farm. It’s an absolute privilege. This is what you become a jockey for: to compete in these major international festivals. It’s very rewarding.”

While it was Lane’s first victory in this race, it marked Hori’s second win, following his success in 2017 with Neorealism (Neo Universe). Additionally, it was Japan’s seventh victory in the event since 2002.

“I’m very grateful to the Jockey Club for giving us the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong and compete here,” said Hori. “It’s been a while since my last participation in Hong Kong, but I’m very thankful to have won today. In my stable, only Maurice (Screen Hero) had won on his first trip here.”

Looking ahead, Hori confirmed that Tastiera will likely return to Hong Kong in December to seek redemption in the Hong Kong Cup, and he praised the relationship with Lane: “Damian is one of the best members of our team. We’ve had a long-standing relationship, and he always gives us excellent feedback.”

Lane, who had already won the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (G1-2400m) in 2022 with Win Marilyn (Screen Hero), added another top-level victory at Sha Tin with an impeccable performance.

Tastiera quickly left the gate from post 10 and settled in fourth on the backstretch, while the New Zealand star El Vencedor (Shocking), ridden by Zac Purton, set the early pace.

As Lane maintained a position of privilege, the main favorites—Goliath (Adlerflug), Liberty Island (Duramente), and Prognosis (Deep Impact)—were forced to race further back in a moderate-paced race.

In the final straight, Tastiera moved with ease to catch El Vencedor and Cap Ferrat (Snitzel), taking control effortlessly and pulling away to win decisively by a length and three-quarters, with Lane celebrating with a raised fist as he crossed the line.

Prognosis, runner-up in the last two editions for fellow Japanese trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida, finished second again, while Calif (Areion), representing Bahrain, put up a strong performance to take third.

With her victory, Tastiera prevented the locals from sweeping the three G1 races of FWD Champions Day, where Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) had won the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1-1200m) and Red Lion (Written Tycoon) defeated Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) in the FWD Champions Mile (G1-1600m).

Maddy Playle