The 50th running of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Kyoto Racecourse on November 16 celebrates both the race’s rich history—commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 1975 visit to Japan—and Kyoto Racecourse’s 100th anniversary. This year’s field features 18 local fillies and mares, with no international entries, highlighting the importance of familiarity with the Kyoto track. Among the favorites is Regaleira, the 2024 Arima Kinen winner, who has limited experience at Kyoto but aims to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish. Erika Express, a 3-year-old who debuted victoriously at Kyoto and recently placed second in the Shuka Sho, may have a course advantage, while Paradis Reine and Stellenbosch also bring strong credentials and past success at Kyoto.
Other notable contenders include Vermicelles, a 5-year-old mare making her first Grade 1 start after a strong showing in the Kyoto Daishoten (G2), and Coconuts Brown, who has multiple wins and placings at Kyoto but at lower class levels. With a competitive local field and the added significance of the race’s milestone anniversary, the 2025 QE II Cup promises an exciting contest where track experience and recent form will be key factors.
