Christophe Lemaire does not make such statements lightly, but the French rider is convinced Masquerade Ball has the raw ability to develop into one of Japan’s finest racehorses as he prepares for Sunday’s HK$30 million Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
The accomplished jockey, whose career has included partnerships with modern greats Almond Eye and Equinox, spoke with quiet conviction about the Takahisa Tezuka-trained colt, who returns to action for the first time since a narrow defeat in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) in November.
Masquerade Ball’s progression through last season has left a lasting impression. Still learning his craft during the early Classics, the colt showed steady development before announcing himself at the highest level with victory in the Group 1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) over 2000 metres. According to Lemaire, that performance revealed both his class and resilience.
“He’s still a young horse,” Lemaire said. “Last year, in the first Classics, he ran well, but maybe was not mature enough to win. From the autumn, he showed that he improved and he was tougher.”
That improvement was evident again in the Japan Cup, where Masquerade Ball pushed the highly regarded Calandagan all the way to the line, going down by the narrowest of margins. The effort, rather than diminishing his standing, enhanced it.
“I was disappointed to be beaten by a short margin, but also proud,” Lemaire added. “He fought hard with the world’s best horse, and that horse has since gone on to win at the top level again. His form is amazing.”
Sunday’s assignment presents a fresh challenge. The QEII Cup is expected to be a fiercely competitive renewal, with established Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior seeking yet another major triumph on home soil. The Sha Tin contest, run over a mile and a quarter, will test both tactical speed and stamina—qualities Lemaire believes his mount possesses in abundance.
“I think the distance will be perfect for his first run this year,” he said. “Now he is a four-year-old, this maturity might give him an extra gear. It will be a tough task, especially against a horse like Romantic Warrior at home, but my horse has the stamina, and if the pace is strong, it can help him.”
One lingering question surrounds the right-handed configuration at Sha Tin. Masquerade Ball has shown a tendency to shift left under pressure, and this will be his first race in that direction since finishing third in the Satsuki Sho at Nakayama. Even so, Lemaire is not overly concerned.
“He tends to push on the left side, so that’s something to watch,” he said. “But he trains right-handed in Japan, and the trainer has no concerns. He handled it before, so I hope it will be fine.”
The race itself promises a compelling clash of proven champions and emerging talent. With a substantial prize purse and international prestige, the QEII Cup regularly draws elite middle-distance performers, and this year appears no exception.
Finish order will only be known once the gates open on Sunday, but Masquerade Ball enters the contest with a profile that suggests he belongs at the very top. Whether he can translate potential into victory against seasoned opposition remains to be seen, yet confidence within his camp is unmistakable.For Lemaire, the belief is simple: the best may still be to come.
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