Erica Express finished fourth in her previous start, the Nakayama Himba Stakes, just 0.2 seconds off the winner. Although she slowed slightly on the final uphill stretch, she demonstrated mental growth by settling well in a forward position. “She has become calmer with age, and she is putting on weight. Looking at her, I get the impression she is in great shape,” said trainer Haruki Sugiyama. The speedy mare has previously won over the mile distance in her debut and the Fairy Stakes, and now aims for a comeback in her proven distance.