Japan: Equinox, the world’s current leading racehorse, will return to action in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin racecourse in Osaka on June 25.
Trained by Tetsuya Kimura, the four-year-old will be running for the first time since claiming the #1 spot of Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings with his brilliant victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.
Equinox will be chasing his fourth G1 win in the Takarazuka Kinen, a 2,200-metre (1m3f) contest with prize-money of ¥475,200,000 (about $3.6m).
Although connections are not considering the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for Equinox later in the year, they have mentioned a possible tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita. However, races like the Tenno Sho (Autumn) and Japan Cup at home are sure to figure high in calculations.
Japan’s Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa is one of three Japanese-trained horses to feature among initial entries for the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes on the opening day of Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown on Saturday, September 9.
The six-year-old is also set to run in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on August 2 before the Juddmonte International at York’s Ebor meeting later the same month.
He is joined in the Irish Champion entries by the three-year-old Dura Erede and G3 winner Through Seven Seas, both of whom also hold an Arc de Triomphe entry alongside compatriot Saliera.
Last weekend’s six-length Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) winner Liberty Island will have a summer break before resuming training to bid for the fillies’ Triple Crown in the Shuka Sho (fillies’ St Leger) at Kyoto racecourse on October 15.
Unbeaten Satsuki Sho (2000 Guineas) hero Sol Oriens – like Equinox, a son of Japan Cup winner Kitasan Black – heads the field for Sunday’s Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). Chief dangers include Guineas runner-up Tastiera and Skilfing, yet another by Kitasan Black, who enters off a three-race winning streak.
• Visit the Japan Racing Association website and the Leopardstown website
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