On April 27, 2025, the 60th Flora Stakes (GII, 2000 meters for 3-year-old fillies) took place at Tokyo Racecourse, showcasing a thrilling battle among 18 contenders. The race saw Kamunyak, a 7th favorite ridden by Andrea Schuetz, clinch victory with a powerful performance that left fans buzzing.
Kamunyak crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of 1 minute 58.6 seconds, setting a new race record that surpassed the previous mark of 1 minute 58.7 seconds held by Win Marilyn since 2020. The filly, trained by Yasuo Tomomichi, demonstrated her prowess by pulling ahead in the final stretch, finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of the 1st favorite, Valkyrie Birth, who was ridden by Christophe Lemaire.
In a surprising turn of events, Taissei Plannesses, an 18th favorite, secured third place, resulting in a trifecta payout of a staggering 1,100,180 yen. The race was not only a test of speed and stamina but also a showcase of strategic racing, as Kamunyak’s journey to victory was marked by calculated maneuvers and a keen sense of rhythm.
The win was particularly sweet for Schuetz, marking his first JRA Grade race victory in eight years, since his triumph in the New Zealand T back in 2017. “Thank you very much! I hadn’t won in the last three weeks, so this victory is very pleasing,” Schuetz exclaimed after the race. He expressed his excitement about Kamunyak's performance, noting, “This is an important race for 3-year-old fillies, and to perform like this heading into the Oaks is truly wonderful.”
Kamunyak's pedigree is impressive, being sired by Black Tide and out of Dance America, with Sakura Bakushin O as her maternal grandfather. This win marks her first in a graded race after a promising start in her career, which included a dominant victory in her debut race last August at Chukyo, where she won by 3 1/2 lengths.
Despite a rocky start in her subsequent races, including a sixth-place finish in the Artemis Stakes as the favorite and a fourth in the Elfin Stakes earlier this year, Kamunyak returned to her winning form just in time for the Oaks, scheduled for May 25, 2025, where she and Valkyrie Birth have secured priority entry.
Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, who celebrated his second Flora Stakes victory following his win with Sing With Joy in 2015, praised Kamunyak’s performance and the strategy that led to her success. “We had to be cautious as she has shown some tendencies to pull during training. But once she found her rhythm, she ran beautifully. I believe she has great potential,” Tomomichi said.
As fans and analysts look ahead to the Oaks, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Kamunyak and her ability to maintain this momentum. With a record of 4 starts and 2 wins, her journey in the racing world is just beginning, and the upcoming races promise to be a thrilling chapter.
In a race filled with excitement and unexpected outcomes, the Flora Stakes proved to be a significant milestone for Kamunyak, Schuetz, and Tomomichi. As they prepare for the Oaks, the anticipation builds—can Kamunyak continue her winning streak and claim a prestigious title?
