UAE: Japan Cup winner Vela Azul has been added to the Japanese challenge for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 25.
Nearly all the 16 Japanese-based horses invited to the World Cup card have accepted, with three set to run in the $12 million feature as the nation chases its second victory after Victoire Pisa on the old Tapeta surface in 2011.
Vela Azul, who is set to run on dirt for the first time since January 2022, beat Sheema Classic-bound Shahryar by a half-length to win the Japan Cup under Ryan Moore.
The five-year-old was well beaten on his only subsequent start in the season-ending Arima Kinen, which was won by Equinox, Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year – also set to represent Japan in the $6m Sheema Classic.
Vela Azul is set to be joined in the World Cup by dirt star T O Keynes and Champions Cup winner Jun Light Bolt, one of six Japanese-trained runners in the $20m Saudi Cup in Riyadh this weekend.
Japan will also have strong representation in the Dubai Turf, a race they have won six times already. Last year’s dead-heat winner Panthalassa – also set to run in the Saudi Cup – is set to be joined by last year’s Tokyo Yushun (Derby) hero Do Deuce and top miler Serifos.
The Japanese team for Dubai is also likely to feature Bathrat Leon, being primed to defend his crown in the G2 Godolphin Mile, while leading dirt three-year-olds Derma Sotogake and Continuar will go on to Meydan after running in the Saudi Derby. Godolphin Japan are considering either the Golden Shaheen or the Godolphin Mile for February Stakes winner Lemon Pop.
• Visit the Japan Racing Association website
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