Japan Cup (Group 1)
THE 44th running of the Japan Cup will go to post at 6:40am (GMT) tomorrow. Fourteen runners are expected to complete the lineup.
What the field lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality, with the added flair of three overseas runners bringing a myriad of top-class international form to the race.
Of the home team, Do Deuce will be the pick of punters on the back of a hugely impressive win in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). In a career marred by inconsistency, Yutaka Take will be onboard attempting to add a fifth Group 1 title to advertise the son of Heart’s Cry as he retires to the covering shed at the end of the year.
However, Do Deuce is far from the only hope the JRA have to keep the Cup in Japan for a 19th consecutive year. The untapped potential of three-year-old filly, Cervinia, could well be enough to claim the biggest race on the JRA fixture list.
Fresh from decisive Group 1 wins on her last two outings, Cervinia will have the benefit of a 4kg allowance as she takes on older males for the first time. She will also have the services of champion jockey-elect, Christophe Lemaire, on a course that he has been nothing short of prolific on.
Three accomplished international hopefuls complete the lineup for the Japan Cup. The six-time Group 1 winner, Auguste Rodin, returns to his sire’s homeland.
The son of Deep Impact will become the first foreign-based produce of the champion sire to run in a JRA race. With conditions set to suit, the Aidan O’Brien charge appears to be the pick of the trio.
French-trained four-year-old, Goliath, brings a wealth of European form to the race having competed successfully between the UK and France throughout the year, including a King George win from Bluestocking. Finally, Grosser Preis von Baden winner, Fantastic Moon, will represent Germany and his trainer Sarah Steinburg.
All three international combatants are eligible for the Japan Cup bonus incentive, meaning an additional $3m is on offer on top of the already substantial $3.5m first place prize. Overseas runners qualify for the incentive scheme by winning a designated international Group 1 .
There are 24 races currently nominated worldwide. JRA-trained horses are also eligible for 50% of the bonus, the same qualification criteria apply.