The anticipation builds as the 39th Flower Cup G3 is set to take place on March 22, 2025, at Nakayama Racecourse, where fans will witness a thrilling showdown among some of the finest three-year-old fillies in the racing circuit.
With a turf distance of 1800 meters, this graded event not only represents a prestigious opportunity for these young horses to shine but also marks a significant milestone in their racing careers. The draw for the race was confirmed just a day earlier, on March 21, 2025, laying the groundwork for a competitive atmosphere that promises to deliver excitement.
Leading the field is Paradiene, a filly trained by Takashi Kitade. With a notable lineage, Paradiene is sired by Kizuna and has shown impressive form with wins in her last two starts, including a demonstration of her ability in the Tsukabi Sho. Positioned in the 2nd gate at the 4th position, she aims for her first major victory in graded stakes. Her pedigree also boasts that her mother was the 2015 dual crown winner, enhancing the expectations surrounding her potential.
Hot on her heels is the promising newcomer Mikki Madonna, who will kick off from the 1st gate in the 1st position. Trained by Yasuyuki Sakae and sired by Epiphaneia, this filly has quickly made a name for herself in the racing community, showcasing excellent speed and endurance in her recent performances.
Moreover, Go So Far, trained by Takuma Tezuka, enters the race positioned in the 6th gate at the 12th position. With a strong closing sprint in her recent outing, which saw her trounce the competition, her ability to accelerate at critical moments places her as a contender to watch.
Another notable competitor, Josselin, displays both talent and pedigree. This filly, trained by Yuichi Shikato and sired by Epiphaneia, secured a victory in her debut race last December at Nakayama. The insights from her trainer lend credence to her credentials: "The atmosphere is not bad. He trained hard this week, and his body tightened up, and he felt like he had some room to spare, so he is in good shape. I wonder if he can come out with a little minus (weight)," Shikato remarked, indicating Josselin's readiness for the challenge ahead.
As the final touches were put on their preparations on the morning of March 21, Josselin demonstrated good form while completing her training regimen on the slopes of Miho. The increased confidence from her recent training sessions paints her as a fierce competitor going into the race.
Energy Shot, another contender, has shown commendable progress. Trained by Daiki Yaehashi, this filly, who stands out with her dazzling performances during her training and past races, proved she can contend with the best. Scheduled from the E-Dart course in Miho prior to her entry into the gate, she has also shown her readiness, with Yaehashi stating, "It's always the same. (After the break) I've used it once, so my body is ready, and I've adjusted it so that I can calm my mind. Nakayama suits the terrain." This is her first challenge in a graded event, and where her instincts and tactics will be tested further.
The Flower Cup G3 not only showcases individual talent and dedication but also reflects the meticulous preparation and strategies each trainer applies to maximize their horses' chances of success. What will unfold on race day will surely be an edge-of-your-seat experience for fans and trainers alike, as selections are final, and only one horse will emerge victorious from the fiercely contested lineup.
The field is competitive, and with the blend of experience and pedigree, each horse presents a unique story heading into the starting gates. The excitement builds as spectators prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable day at the Nakayama Racecourse.
