NEWS
International contingent to bolster Japan Cup
Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 8:16 PM
JUST AS WELL
Michael Burns photo
by Mike Curry
With a strong international contingent slated to face a stellar group of Japanese horses, the 2009 Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) could boast one of the deepest fields in recent memory.
Headlining the international contenders for Sunday's 2,400-meter (11.93-furlong) turf race at
Tokyo Racecourse is 2008 champion turf male Conduit (Ire), who scored a repeat victory in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on November 7 (video) and will stand in 2010 at Big Red Farm in Japan.
A classic winner in England last year, the Dalakhani colt will try to become the third Japan Cup winner for trainer Sir Michael Stoute. Stoute previously won the race in 1996 with Singspiel (Ire) and ’97 with Pilsudski (Ire).
One of two probable Japan Cup contenders based in England, Conduit is expected to be joined by Richard Hannon’s Group 3 winner Scintillo.
Grade 1 winners Just as Well, Marsh Side, and Interpatation are slated to represent North America.
Just as Well won the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (Can-G1) via the disqualification of Marsh Side for interference in the stretch (video). Just as Well subsequently finished fifth in the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (Can-G1) for trainer and owner Jonathan Sheppard.
Marsh Side, winner of the 2008 Canadian International, finished fourth this year for trainer Neil Drysdale in his bid for a repeat victory.
Interpatation has not raced since posting a 43.75-to-1 upset win in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (G1) on October 3 at Belmont Park (video).
Japan-based horses on target for the Japan Cup include 2008 Horse of the Year Vodka and champion older horse Screen Hero, winner of last year’s Japan Cup. The field for Japan Cup also is expected to include Tenno Sho (Jpn-G1) (Spring) winner Meiner Kitz and Tokyo Yoshun (Japanese Derby) winner Logi Universe.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
