French fillies invade Kyoto

French fillies Tigertail, second in the E.P. Taylor, and Ana Marie, runner-up in the Nassau Stakes, will test the mettle of some of Japan's best fillies and mares in the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto on Sunday.

The 1 3/8 miles of the $920,000 Grade 1 turf race should suit both French fillies. Tigertail, who finished a head behind Volga in the E.P. Taylor at Woodbine, had previously been fourth in the 1 1/2-mile Yorkshire Oaks behind the subsequent Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Islington. Ana Marie finished between the winner, Russian Rhythm, and subsequent Prix de l'Opera winner Zee Zee Top in the 1 1/4-mile Nassau, a Group 1 stakes.

The local favorite will be the Japanese Oaks winner Still in Love, who also won the Grade 1 Shuka Sho at Kyoto on Oct. 19.