Headed by three potential candidates for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Japan is assembling a formidable squad for the two-day championships at Del Mar on November 1-2.
Japan landed a historic double via the Yoshito Yahagi-trained pair Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine the last time the Breeders’ Cup was staged at the southern Californian venue three years ago.
They have drawn a blank since at Keeneland and Santa Anita – but according to the latest Japan Racing Association newsletter, the nation will field a strong team back at Del Mar.
Leading the way will be Kentucky Derby third Forever Young and compatriots Ushba Tesoro and Derma Sotogake, all of whom are targeting the BC Classic.
So unlucky in the Kentucky Derby where he forfeited his unbeaten record in a thrilling finish, Forever Young is set to contest the Japan Dirt Classic at Ohi on October 2 before being shipped to the US.
Derma Sotogake and last year’s Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro will be having their second crack at America’s richest race, having finished second and fifth respectively last year behind White Abarrio at Santa Anita. The pair are likely to meet in the Nippon TV Hai on September 25 ahead of their trip to California.
Third in last year’s BC Turf, the 2021 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) hero Shahryar is due to run this weekend in the Sapporo Kinen before another visit to the Breeders’ Cup.
Others set to run in the Breeders’ Cup include upset Victoria Mile winner Ten Happy Rose, likely to run in the G2 Centaur Stakes [Sept 8] before the BC Mile, and G3 winner Alice Verite, who will have her prep for the BC Filly & Mare Turf in the G3 Niigata Kinen [Sept 1].
Dubai Golden Shaheen runner-up Don Frankie is in line for the BC Sprint after returning from a layoff to win the Cluster Cup over six furlongs at Morioka on Wednesday [Aug 14]. Remake may join him at Del Mar after defending his title in the Korea Sprint [Sept 8].
Unbeaten four-year-old filly Awesome Result will run in the Breeders’ Gold Cup at Mombetsu [Aug 27] before attempting to emulate Marche Lorraine in the BC Distaff.
Japan’s overseas ambitions are not confined to the States. Classic winner Durezza runs next week in the Juddmonte International at York, while three-year-old colt Shin Emperor, a full-brother to 2020 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass, will run in the ParisLongchamp showpiece. First, though, comes the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown [Sept 14].
On the other hand, fellow Arc entries Do Deuce and Regaleira are staying at home for domestic targets.
After defending his crown this weekend in the Sapporo Kinen, triple G2 winner Prognosis may head to Australia for the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley [Oct 26], where he may be joined by compatriots Hishi Iguazu and Killer Ability. Shonan Bashitto and Warp Speed hold the Caulfield Cup entry.
• Visit the Japan Racing Association website and the Breeders' Cup website
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