NEWS
Summer Bird arrives for Japan Cup Dirt
Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009 3:23 PM
Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Summer Bird, the top contender for the Eclipse Award as champion three-year-old male, arrived at Narita Airport on Thursday and was transported to JRA Horseracing School Quarantine Stables to prepare for the Japan Cup Dirt (G1) on December 6 at Hanshin Racecourse.
The Birdstone colt appeared in good order after his 12-hour trip.
“His condition is well,” trainer Tim Ice said, adding that Summer Bird was to walk around the track on Friday.
Among the foreign-trained horses entered for the Japan Cup Dirt, Summer Bird is the only horse that qualifies for the Japan Autumn International bonus as winner of the Belmont on June 6, the Shadwell Travers Stakes (G1) on August 29 at Saratoga Race Course, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) on October 3.
With the three Grade 1 wins, Summer Bird can receive a bonus of $1,052,000 for winning the Japan Cup Dirt.
The Japan Cup Dirt is the final leg of the four-race Japan Autumn International series, designed to enhance and encourage international participation of foreign-based horses, and will be run at 1,800 meters (8.95 furlongs) on the right-handed Hanshin.
“I’m not aware of the competition, so I can’t say much, but we’re very much looking forward to the race,” Ice said.
Summer Bird finished fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 7 at Santa Anita Park.
