She was from the ninth crop of foals sired by Deep Impact, who was the Japanese Horse of the Year in 2005 and 2006, winning races including the Tokyo Yushun, Tenno Sho, Arima Kinen and Japan Cup.

She made her first appearance in a 1600-metre race for previously unraced three-year-old on firm ground at Kyoto Racecourse on 11 January when she started the 1.7/1 favourite and won by two lengths from White Lodge.

[8] On 18 October Lei Papale began her autumn campaign in the Ohara Stakes, an 1800 metres handicap at Kyoto and started the 0.9/1 favourite in a thirteen-runner field.

[12] With Kawada in the saddle she started the 11.2/1 fourth choice in the betting behind Contrail, Gran Alegria and Salios in a thirteen-runner field which also included Wagnerian, Persian Knight (Mile Championship), Bravas and Mozu Bello (Nikkei Shinshun Hai).

Lei Papale set the pace from the start, switched left to race down the centre of the track in the straight and drew away in the closing stages to win by four lengths from Contrail.

Kawada commented "I had always believed in her outstanding talent since her debut... she was able to jump into her rhythm throughout the race without being pressed... And to still have the strength to find another gear over the turf condition today—she is an exceptional filly to keep her speed right to the end.

[18] After finishing at 9th place at the Hong Kong Cup, it was revealed that her front right leg was suffering from a bowed tendon, and that the horse would be retired to stand stud at Northern Farm.