Buena Vista, second to Dar Re Mi in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, won the Tenno Sho Autumn at Tokyo in the hands of Christophe Soumillon.
The filly won her fifth Grade One race by two lengths.
It was the first time the four-year-old had managed to beat the colts at the highest level and she looks set for a mouthwatering clash with Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa in the Japan Cup now.
‘I knew we got it right after the last turn,’ said trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda.
‘She was in her best form so I wasn't really worried.
‘Of course it depends on how she comes out of this race, but she'll probably go on to challenge the Japan Cup and eventually the Arima Kinen after that.’
Soumillon added: ‘She is a superstar. It was as if she had wings on her back.
‘I'm looking forward to the chance of riding her in the Japan Cup and the Arima Kinen.’
