Queen Elizabeth II Cup (Group 1)

THERE was no joy for Irish-trained raider Magical Lagoon in the Group 1 in Japan last Sunday.

Geraldina, the fourth choice in the pre-race betting, claimed this year’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup, her first win at the highest level.

The four-year-old boasts impeccable breeding, by Maurice out of seven-time Group 1 winner Gentildonna (Deep Impact) who swept the Fillies’ Triple Crown in 2012 and won the Japan Cup and Sheema Classic.

Geraldina had missed the classics in her three-year-old spring campaign but had three wins later in her season.

The race was run on heavy ground and Geraldina travelled wide towards the rear and came with her run on the outside in the straight.

Her powerful late drive caught the front runner after passing the furlong pole, and duelled briefly with Win Marilyn before pulling away for a one-and-three-quarter-length win.

“I’m very happy I was able to win another Group 1 race. The filly was traveling very well in the last corner, came out and gave a good turn of foot. Gentildonna was a good filly and I think Geraldina can be like her dam,” jockey Cristian Demuro said.

Jessica Harrington’s Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon pressed the pace in second but was unable to find anything in the final furlongs on the yielding going and finished 18th and last. Ryan Moore on board Andvaranaut was just a place ahead in 17th. The race favourite Daring Tact finish sixth.

“We were able to race in good position but she likes quick ground and the rain, unfortunately, took her chance away. I urged her to go from the third corner but she didn’t respond,” jockey Shane Foley told Japan Racing.