Pikochan Black made headlines on March 16, 2025, by clinching her first GII victory at the 74th Spring Stakes held at Nakayama Racecourse. Ridden by jockey Yuga Kawada, the three-year-old filly, who was the second favorite, showcased her talent by taking the lead early on and holding off determined competitors until the end.
With a winning time of 1 minute and 51.5 seconds over the 1800 meters on heavy turf, this was no ordinary victory for Pikochan Black. She not only secured her first GII title but also marked it as a significant achievement for trainer Yoshinori Uehara, who celebrated his first GII win as well. "This race was fantastic; it’s my first GII win, and I can’t describe how happy I am," exclaimed Kawada post-race.
Fukuno Blue Lake, another contender trained by Masahiro Takeno, finished second by just a neck, providing fierce competition at the end of the race. Meanwhile, King Scale, the top favorite, managed to secure the third position, finishing one and three-quarter lengths behind the winner. This performance from Pikochan Black places her on the radar for future prestigious contests, particularly with the Satsuki Sho on the horizon, as this race grants the top three finishers priority entry.
Throughout the race, Pikochan Black demonstrated impressive control and stamina, initially positioning herself comfortably near the front. The contest brought together several notable entries, including the third-favored Danon Century, who unfortunately finished tenth.
"Pikochan Black really showed her potential today; she ran beautifully," said trainer Yoshinori Uehara, expressing his pride. This victory adds to the legacy of her lineage, with her sire being the successful Kitasan Black. With her mother’s lineage tracing back to Trump Queen and the breeding from Champions Farm, there's a blend of quality behind her performance.
The race unfolded with intense competition among the participants. Matenro Lavoz finished fourth, and other notable performances included Swallow Chichi and Snark Picasso securing fifth and sixth places respectively, highlighting the challenging conditions of the heavy turf. Jockeys shared insights on how the course affected their horses' abilities, with many emphasizing the difficulties they faced during the race.
Post-race discussions included various reactions from jockeys, illustrating the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Hiroshi Kitamura, who rode Matenro Lavoz, assessed his horse's performance stating, "It wasn't running well," indicating fluctuations of effort throughout the race. Meanwhile, Yuji Kawada, jockey for Swallow Chichi, reflected on positioning strategies: "I couldn't participate in taking the position in the first half. The course affected the running, but it stretched in the end."
The 74th Spring Stakes will be remembered as not just another race, but as the event where Pikochan Black broke new grounds, marking the start of what could be a remarkable racing career. "With this win, we are now preparing and hoping for the Satsuki Sho," Uehara added optimistically, emphasizing the promising future for Pikochan Black.
Pikochan Black has raced four times, winning twice, with this victory serving as her crowning achievement so far. With significant wins expected on the horizon, fans and connections alike look forward to seeing how this talented horse builds upon her early successes.