Queen’s Walk (5-year-old mare, trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida at Ritto Training Center, sire Kizuna) turned in a powerful workout on the hill track on May 13, clocking 56.9 seconds with a final 12.7-second furlong. Ridden by jockey Junya Nishimura for the first time, the exercise was light due to transport considerations, but the mare moved with authority and appears in good form. Nishimura, who has been aboard for three consecutive weeks, said, “No issues. It was just a routine adjustment for the week, but her condition is improving week by week. It’s truly an impressive stable.”
Last year, Queen’s Walk finished second by a neck to Ascoli Piceno in this Grade 1 race. In her most recent start, the Kinko Sho, she missed a repeat victory but finished third by just 0.1 seconds, signaling a return to form. Trainer Nakauchida expressed optimism about securing the stable’s first G1 win, stating, “Last year was a frustrating race, but she’s in good shape again this year, and we’re ready.”
