View Full Version : Japan Cup 2003
Allan plans Japan Raid with self flit
ALAN AITKEN
Big race maestro Ivan Allan is hoping to gain a berth in the Japan Cup field next month with staying-bred Self Flit. When entries closed yesterday, Allan had nominated both Hong Kong Classic Mile victor Self Flit and Singapore Classic winner Come See You for the World Series leg over 2,400 metres in Tokyo.
"Self Flit probably needs to win a race to be considered for an invitation to the race, but he has a number of possibilities in the weeks coming up," Allan said last night. "He is bred to stay that sort of distance and now that he's a five-year-old, I would be keen to make the trip if he can get a start."
Allan has been a regular participant in the Japan Cup, notably with Indigenous. He finished second in 1999 and continued to contest the race with credit, running well last year before his retirement as a 10-year-old.
Falbrav, who won the Japan Cup last season, is one of eight British nominations for the big Far East prize in Tokyo next month.
The other seven are the Godolphin pair Sulamani and Mamool, plus Islington (Sir Michael Stoute), Kaieteur (Brian Meehan), Mubtaker (Marcus Tregoning), Rakti (Michael Jarvis) and Warrsan (Clive Brittain).
The Japan Racing Association will announce the selected runners for the November 30 race at a later date.
Aidan O'Brien is responsible for five of the six Irish entries, High Chaparral, Brian Boru, Hold That Tiger, Yesterday and Black Sam Bellamy.
Vinnie Roe, Dermot Weld's Irish and French St Leger winner, is the other.
The six French entries are Ange Gabriel, Ana Marie, Polish Summer, Tigertail, Great Pretender and Gruntled.
There are 24 entries from America, two from Australia and one each from Canada and New Zealand.
Meehan's Kaieteur has also been entered in the Japan Cup Dirt 24 hours earlier, although connections have stated a preference for the Japan Cup.
Paul d'Arcy's Indian Haven is the other British Japan Cup Dirt entry.
O'Brien's High Chaparral and Hold That Tiger are other dual entries. The former's preference is the Japan Cup, but the Japan Cup Dirt is the stated preference of the latter.
Story filed: 16:19 Friday 17th October 2003
Self Flit sends a message to Tokyo
http://racing.scmp.com/english/images/news/lead20102003b.jpg
'He's in the Japan Cup next month and after a wonderful win like that, I very much hope he will be invited,' says Allan
Approval rating: Trainer Ivan Allan gives the thumbs up after Self Flit won the Sha Tin Trophy, setting the horse up nicely for a crack at the Japan Open next month. Picture by Kenneth Chan
MURRAY BELL
High-class miler Self Flit will be Hong Kong's next overseas Group One representative as his mercurial trainer Ivan Allan seeks to avenge Indigenous' defeat in the Japan Cup of 1999.
Self Flit ($49) and the grand mare Elegant Fashion ($22 favourite) indelibly franked the Hong Kong Derby form with their one-two result in yesterday's $2.3 million Sha Tin Trophy over 1,600 metres.
But while the Australian-bred mare emerged the winner in the $14 million classic race back on March 23, it was Self Flit's turn yesterday at his preferred trip.
In fact, this was his second big win over the Sha Tin mile circuit, having lowered the boom on Bowman's Crossing in the Group One Classic Mile there in February.
Although Self Flit's form chart looks like that of a specialist miler whose class sees him manage 2,000 metres almost as effectively, the big-race maestro has announced plans to develop him into a 2,400-metre horse in the next five weeks.
"He's in the Japan Cup next month and after a wonderful win like that, I very much hope he will be invited," a delighted Allan said.
"He ran second to Elegant Fashion in the Derby at 2,000 metres and he's a much stronger horse now.
"We know Elegant Fashion is a top-class international Group One performer, as she showed against Eishin Preston in the Queen Elizabeth Cup, so there's no doubt this form is very solid.
"The Derby first and second have fought out the finish. They are both Group One winners. I hope the Japan Racing Association people will be as impressed as I am."
Jockey Weichong Marwing enjoyed an armchair ride on Self Flit, balancing the big bay horse in third position, behind stablemate Golconda, with heavily-backed Hidden Dragon (Douglas Whyte) splitting the pair till the home turn.
Whyte allowed Hidden Dragon to join the leader on the home turn but Marwing quickly moved Self Flit through and, after a brief struggle, he asserted his class and drew clear to post a 1-1/4-length winning margin.
"It was good to finally win a big race on him," Marwing observed later.
"He was always one of my rides but when he and Golden Years both ran in the Classic Mile, I was on Golden Years and Eddie [Lai] picked up the winning ride on Self Flit.
"Then I was meant to be on him in the Hong Kong Derby, too, but had that fall at Happy Valley [from Dancing Sound, which bled and collapsed] and had to miss the Derby and Eddie got back on him again."
When asked his opinion of Self Flit's potential to run 2,400 metres against international company, the jockey parked the ball squarely at the feet of the handler. "Ivan is a genius trainer and if he says the horse will get 2,400 metres, he won't get any argument from me," Marwing said.
"Self Flit is a big, strong horse and stands all of 17 hands. And while he has a lot of speed, he just keeps rolling as well. If the horse goes to Japan, then I'd definitely like to be going with him."
Allan, of course, stands alone in Hong Kong racing history as the first and only trainer to win a Group One race outside the HKSAR boundaries, having taken Fairy King Prawn to Japan to capture the Yasuda Kinen (Group One, 1,600m) in June 2000.
"I really think this horse can do the job," Allan said.
"He races forward, travels kindly for his riders, and keeps going at the one pace. He's strong and has a high cruising speed and I think that sort of horse is well suited in Tokyo."
Allan formerly raced Self Flit's sire Cicerao, an Irish-bred son of the Lyphard stallion Alzao. He said Cicerao was trained in France and looked like being one of the favourites for the French Derby before going amiss.
Elegant Fashion lost nothing in defeat, having again come from six to seven lengths off the lead for a gallant second.
It's full steam ahead towards International day for David Hayes' dual-hemisphere Group One winner.
Hidden Dragon ($67) ran a mighty race for third after being one of the leaders through.
The horse momentarily looked likely to slug it out with Self Flit turning for home but was probably a shade too close to the Group One performer in the handicaps, receiving just seven pounds.
Dr More (77-1) ran a vastly improved race for a late-closing fourth, and trainer John Size obviously has the honest Danehill gelding right back on song.
2003.10.17
Exclusive Topics for
JAPAN CUP 2003 and JAPAN CUP DIRT 2003
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17 October, 2003
Japan Cup and Japan Cup Dirt to be held on same day in 2004
JRA, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year since its establishment in September 1954, is planning on a series of events in commemoration of its "Golden Jubilee" year. One of the festivities will include the "Japan Cup/ Japan Cup Day" in which both G1 races will be held on the same day. It will be the first time in JRA history in which two G1 is ran on a single day, though the NAR regional races have included the NAR-G1 JBC Classic and the NAR-G1 JBC Sprint on the same race card to make up the "JBC Day" since 2001. As is with similar multi-grade race festivals held in several racetracks around the globe, the Japan Cup Day will no doubt be one big event look forward to. Nothing is definite as whether the two races will be held in one day after 2005.
Ready for Japan Cup 2003 Weekend
-modified tracks and renewed main stand-
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/racecourse/tokyo01.jpg
The Tokyo Racecourse, which has hosted the Japan Cup and the Japan Cup Dirt every year, reopened its track in April after a year's reconstruction and both Japan Cup races will return to its original venue on a reformed track.
Changes include the winning post that has moved about 37 meters toward the 1st turn. The curves of the 3rd and 4th turns have been rounded, making the turns easier to negotiate. At the same time, the turf's home straight has been extended to 525.9 meters, some 25 meters longer than the previous length of 500.4 meters.
The home stretch on the dirt course has also been lengthened from 466.6 meters to 501.6 meters. The main stand has also been completed to accommodate the audiences, however, other minor renovations will continue for the next five years.
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/course/tokyo.gif
October 28, 2003
Cox Plate winner Fields Of Omagh has been declared a runner in the $6.8 million Japan Cup on November 30, with trainer Tony McEvoy contemplating backing up the gelding in Saturday's Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.
Fields Of Omagh yesterday received an official invitation to the Japan Cup and will try to emulate the 1990 Japan Cup win of the David Hayes-trained Better Loosen Up.
"Let's go for it," said McEvoy, who confirmed Cox Plate-winning jockey Steven King would retain the mount. "He is in fabulous order and he is still on the way up this campaign, as he has only had the three runs, so everything points to the Japan Cup being very much in our plans.
"I know it is awkward to get to, as shown in the past with Saintly (1996) and a few others falling ill, but he is a fabulous traveller and horses fly all around the world these days, so we are taking a very positive approach to it.
"Better Loosen Up, who was our [Australian] winner of the race, did it for David [Hayes] in 1990. He won the Cox Plate, the Mackinnon, then went to Japan, and we are looking for a similar build-up."
McEvoy, head trainer for the famed Hayes family's Lindsay Park nursery in South Australia, will inspect Fields Of Omagh at his Flemington stables this morning before confirming a Mackinnon start.
Handy Harry
28-10-2003, 09:41
It would be wonderful to have FOO here but the long straight may be a challenge against possible runners like High Chapparal, Islington, etc.
Falbrav will probably go onto HK bypassing JC but as usual the conversations between the prospective challengers and the JRA will be ongoing this week.
Handy Harry
12-11-2003, 09:28
News
2003.11.11
Two World Series Winners heading to the JAPAN CUP
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11 November, 2003
Both Breeder`s Cup Classic Co-Winner, Johar and Cox Plate Winner, Fields of Omagh are heading to the 23rd Japan Cup to be held at Tokyo Racecourse on 30th November, 2003.
JRA has launched bonus system for the winner of the major races. Two World Series winners are eligible for the tremendous bonus, 130 million Japanese Yen (about US$1.2 million) for Johar and 100 million Japanese Yen (about US$0.9 million) for Fields of Omagh in addition to the prize money, 250 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$ 1.27million) to the winner.
The following horses have accepted invitions for the Japan Cup and the Japan Cup Dirt as of November 11.
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1111-02.html
Actually, I think there's 2 foreign horses down for the JC Dirt SW...:
JC:
Ange Gabriel (France)
Ana Marie (France)
Johar (US)
Sarafan (US)
Denon (US)
Fields of Omagh (Aus)
Islington (UK)
Slew Valley (US)
Tigertail (France)
JC Dirt:
Outta Here (US)
Fleetstreet Dancer (US)
Sounds like Denon (now Japanese owned) will head to the Arima Kinen if he wins the JC.
Fine Motion a definite starter in the Mile.
With Islington's form around Falbrav and High Chapparal - I can't go past her as the pick of the foreigners though...
Symboli Kris S will be odds on here - what price do you think he will be on betfair? (if they are going to bet on it).
There are two horses listed for the JC dirt but there was some doubt yesterday as to both coming.
Islington was very impressive at the Breeders Cup but as far as I'm concerned Johar is the best of the foreign contingent. The track was fast and they ran a shade over 2.24 but anything that dead heats with High Chapparal aint no mug.
The early pace of this race will be a major factor. If they go easy infront with Tap Dance City setting the pace it will make it tougher for the sweepers but if something cuts with TDC then the strong finishers will have the sit on them. There are many in this field that wind up over the last 300m.
This is the toughest race in memory ( JC) to pick the winner. Anyone of 10 horses could win this. InJ5, if SKS starts odds on I believe it is way unders.
You can make a case for 5 or 6 of the invited plus 4 or 5 of the locals.
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/news/jc/Islington.jpg
Islington (IRE) 4yo filly) was the last of the foreign contenders to arrive at Narita yesterday (Nov. 20, 6:20 p.m.). She was transported to the Shiroi Quarantine stables, arriving at stable at 9:40 p.m.)
2003.11.21
TRAINING REPORT
(Japan Cup & Japan Cup Dirt)
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November 21, 2003 (Friday)
Islington Denon
Islington (IRE) 4yo filly) was the last of the foreign contenders to arrive at Narita yesterday (Nov. 20, 6:20 p.m.). She was transported to the Shiroi Quarantine stables, arriving at stable at 9:40 p.m.)
FOREIGN ENTRIES — JAPAN CUP:
[At Tokyo Racecourse]
ANA MARIE,4yo bay filly.
--jogged, light canter 3/4 lap, repeated twice on the dirt course
(ridden by exercise rider, Ludovic Rovisse)
--hand-walked around the stable area
"We've moved three times in a short period, but she's settling down. She's feeling good and eating well. Tokyo Racecourse is extremely impressive and a well made course with a longer stretch than at Kyoto. I think this course would suit Ana Marie better." "We're working on her so she'll be ready by the middle of next week."
(comments of exercise rider, Ludovic Rovisse)
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TIGERTAIL,4yo bay filly.
--jogged, light canter 1/2 lap, jogged, light canter 3/4 lap on the dirt course
(ridden by exercise rider, Jean-Luc Morenviller)
--hand-walked around the stable area
"She's adapting well to her surroundings and is getting to her best form since after the last race. Tokyo Racecourse is also very impressive."
"We'll only take it easy until Sunday and gear her up towards the race during next week."
"Her two-week spacing between her last race and the Japan Cup shouldn't be a problem for her."
(comments of exercise rider, Jean-Luc Morenviller)
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[At Shiroi Quarantine]
FOREIGN ENTRIES — JAPAN CUP:
DENON (USA), 5yobay horse.
--hand-walked only
“He’s better than yesterday, but still doesn’t have his usual appetite.”
“He’s never traveled abroad.”
(comments of exercise rider, Marco Ramirez)
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JOHAR (USA), 4yo bay colt.
--hand-walked only
“He’s looks good and is eating well. We only plan to hand-walk him today.”
“This is his first time overseas.”
(comments of exercise rider, Niphon Nilluang)
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SARAFAN (USA), 6yo bay gelding.
--hand-walked only
“He’s fine and is eating as usual.”
“We just hand-walked him today and we’ll start working on him according to how he feels.”
(comments of exercise rider, Robert Guest)
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SLEW VALLEY (USA), 6yo, bay horse.
--walked 1/2 lap, jogged 1-1/2 laps
(ridden by exercise rider, Rosales Eduardo)
“We just took him out to loosen up.”
“We’ll just work him day by day depending on how he progresses.”
(comments of groom Salvador Ayala)
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ANGE GABRIEL (FRA) , 5yo gray horse.
--jogged 1 lap, cantered 1/2 lap, walked 1 lap
(ridden by groom Michel Doudoin)
“He’s almost recovered from his long trip. Today, he was moving well, but the sand track was deep and was also damp, making it a little heavy so it may have looked a little awkward. He likes a fast (firm) track” “He can be very moody or temperamental, but in the race, he will be concentrating on running well.”
“We’ll be doing a faster canter tomorrow,but there won’t be any strong gallops while we’re at the quarantine.”
(comments of exercise rider, Thomas Ries)
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ISLINGTON (IRE), 4yo bay filly.
--hand-walked only
“We only just walked her today. It’s been a long trip but she’s good considering. We plan to canter her on Saturday, but we’ll have to see how much weight she’s lost before that.”
“She’s traveled abroad and raced in Santa Anita (USA), Ireland, France and Chicago (USA)”
(comments of groom James Brown)
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FIELDS OF OMAGH (AUS), 6yo bay gelding.
--jogged 1/2 lap, underwent barrier test, cantered 1 lap
(ridden by groom, Elizabeth Jelfs)
“He’s only raced once in a 2,400-meter race before, but I think the distance suits him.”
“I don’t think we’ll be doing any fast work on him while we’re here.”
(comments of exercise rider Gary Fennssy)
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FOREIGN ENTRIES — JAPAN CUP DIRT:
FLEETSTREET DANCER (USA), 5yo dark bay or brown gelding.
--jogged 1/2 lap, underwent barrier test, cantered 1-1/2 lap
(ridden by exercise rider, Juan Martinez)
“He’s almost in his best state and he’s eating his feed.”
“He loves working and loves getting out on the track.”
“Tomorrow, we’ll do a similar kind of work we did today.”
(comments of groom Rivera Sabas)
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OUTTA HERE (USA), 3yo chestnut colt.
--jogged 1lap, underwent barrier test
(ridden by exercise rider, Pat Leroy Seeley)
“He’s nearing his best form and his weight is just about right…. Eating well.”
“This colt is very smart and knows what’s going on so he’s easy to handle”
“We’ll be hand-walking him this afternoon for about 30 minutes around the stable area. “We try not to keep him locked up in his stall so that he won’t get stiff in bone and muscles.”
(comments of exercise rider, Pat Leroy Seeley)
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|
Form for Japan runners
From: specialweek Sent: 23/11/2003 2:56 AM
The racingpost will give all but you have to log on.
Horlicks holds the record but the the track has been modified so all previous records are null and void.
Nothing this year will run Horlick's time and perhaps never.
Never say never!
From: InJapan5 Sent: 23/11/2003 2:23 PM
At the moment this page only has info on the JPN horses, but I would expect the foreign horse info will be updated soon..:
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1117-01.html
I like Eishin Champ in today's Mile, although if Fine Motion puts it all back together again she wins. Tossoule (is that how its spelt?) looks like a decent chance.
In any case, I can't get away to get a bet on, so I'm even more confident of Eishin Champ...
Japan Cup News (1) : Japan Cup can provide HKIR clues
22 November 2003
Racing fans in Hong Kong have every reason for paying close attention to the outcome of the Japan Cup (Gr I), which is set to be run on Sunday 30 November at Tokyo Racecourse over 2400 metres. Several of the leading challengers from Europe and the USA in the Japan Cup are scheduled to come on to Hong Kong and contest either the HK$18,000,000 Hong Kong Cup over 2000 metres or the HK$14,000,000 Hong Kong Vase over 2400 metres, both Group I events, just two weeks later.
They include from the USA, Johar, winner of the US$2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita in a dead heat with High Chaparral from Ireland, and also from the USA, the well travelled Sarafan, from the Neil Drysdale stable, who was a late scratch from his intended Breeders' Cup start in the Mile, but who showed his well being with a comfortable win in an allowance race at Hollywood Park on 13 November. Sarafan was a gallant runner-up to Falbrav in the 2002 running of the Japan Cup, and will be looking to go one better this year.
Another Japan Cup challenger with a date in Hong Kong is Fields of Omagh from Australia. Trained by Tony McEvoy for a 31 strong owner syndicate, which includes well known Australian radio presenter and race caller Bryan Martin, Fields of Omagh took Australia's most prestigious 2040-metre race, the Carlton Draught Cox Plate in October on his last start, and looks to come on to Hong Kong to contest the Hong Kong Cup over almost the same distance. Connections of the horse appear unconcerned about stepping the horse up to 2400 metres for the Japan Cup in the meantime, and expect a bold showing from this tough six-year-old gelding both in Japan and Hong Kong. Tough he most certainly is, for Fields of Omagh has twice bounced back from leg injuries in his career, and undoubtedly put up his lifetime's best performance last time out in the Cox Plate.
The Japan Cup field is given further depth by the presence in the line up of Ange Gabriel from France. Trained in the west of France by Eric Libaud, Ange Gabriel is already well known to Hong Kong racing fans, following his win in last December's Hong Kong Vase. Ange Gabriel will contest the Japan Cup, then, all being well, will bid for back to back victories in the Hong Kong Vase. Ange Gabriel has a habit of winning the same race twice, having won the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in both 2002 and 2003, and a repeat win in the Vase would by no means be out of the question. Ange Gabriel has been in good form this season, following his success at the back end of last season at Sha Tin. He was runner up to Sulamani in the Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr I), won his second Grand Prix de Saint Cloud, snatched his Arc trial, the Prix Foy, before finding the holding ground on Arc day not to his liking. Conditions in the Far East, both in Japan and Hong Kong, are much more likely to suit.
Japanese fans will probably send off their own Symboli Kris S, who will be ridden by champion French jockey Olivier Peslier, as favourite to win the Japan Cup, but the international challenge is one of the strongest in recent years, with the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Islington, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, adding further star quality to the field. Whatever the result, the chance for further glory remains for Sarafan and Fields of Omagh in the Hong Kong Cup, while Ange Gabriel, the defending champion, and Johar, the Breeders' Cup Turf champion are set to clash in the Vase. It's a prospect to savour.
Handy Harry
25-11-2003, 07:18
TRAINING REPORT
(Japan Cup & Japan Cup Dirt)
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November 23, 2003 (Sunday)
[At Tokyo Racecourse]
ANA MARIE and TIGERTAIL continue to train lightly, but as scheduled at Tokyo RC. Riders for both French fillies said their fillies came out of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Kyoto RC, and are continuing to progress towards the Japan Cup next weekend.
[At Shiroi Quarantine]
DENON cantered 2 laps aboard Marco Ramirez this morning. Rider said long home stretch and wide sweeping turn at Tokyo RC will suite his horse.
JOHAR and SARAFAN completed usual light work this morning. JOHAR's , Niphon Nilluang. Rider made confident comments about JOHAR's adaptation to Tokyo's surface and style of racing in Japan from his previous visits to Japan with American representatives. He "as far as what I've seen, I would say that Johar is suited for Tokyo Racecourse."
SARAFAN's rider, Robert Guest, made another confident comment. He said, "I'm not worried about the distances nor how he will handle the track. I hear the Japanese horses are pretty tough to beat this year, but I believe that our horse will win in the end."
SLEW VALLEY jogged 1/2 lap and cantered 1-1/2 lap this morning aboard Rosales Eduardo. Salvador Ayala, groom is anxious to go out on the track at Tokyo to see how his gelding will handle the surface. SLEW VALLEY is expected to work faster tomorrow.
ANGE GABRIEL jogged 1/2 lap, cantered 1lap, walked 1/ 2 lap, cantered 1-1/2 lap, walked 1/2 lap this morning. Thomas Ries, Exercise Rider said "He's moving sharp and is a little tense in his stall but that's probably because he knows that the race is coming. ANGE GABRIEL will be given fast work on Wednesday."
ISLINGTON walked 1/ 2 lap, cantered 1 lap, walked 1/ 2 lap this morning aboard Tracey Thompson. She had nothing but a praise coming out of her in interview. She commented, "The Japanese horses have really come along with good results in France and Hong Kong. And the Racecourses here are very well organized and splendid. I haven't been to Tokyo Racecourse since '93 but I'm looking forward to seeing the changes there."
FIELDS OF OMAGH did not enter the track this morning. His Exercise Rider, Gary Fennessy was available for a comment. He said, "He's appetite has come back now and he's very fit. Not entering the track this morning is as planned." He is moving to Tokyo Racecourse tomorrow and gallop him on Wednesday with the jockey aboard."
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JAPAN CUP DIRT:
FLEETSTREET DANCER completed his usual work menu as at home this morning by his Exercise Rider, Juan Martinez. Rivera Sabas, groom, said he is becoming fit and moving better each morning. He will be 100% on the race day."
OUTTA HERE jogged 1/2 lap and cantered 1-1/2 lap aboard Exercise Rider, Pat L. Seeley. Rider said, "He's very relaxed and feels at home, playful and fit. He is really getting into the racing mode."
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Handy Harry
25-11-2003, 20:07
23rd Japan Cup First is held at 30th November.
Johar , Denon , Islington and Cox Plate winner Fields Of Omagh ...and many world's top horses challenge this race this year.And this year's Japanese horses are strong ,too.
So Let's discuss Japan Cup . I made a message forum for Japan Cup .
http://pub27.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=2314404914&cp=
Horse racing fans form all over the world can join.
--
Yuusuke Mochizuki <yuusuke_mochizuki@yahoo.co.jp>
_______________________________________________
The Fields of Omagh Fact File
http://www.racingvictoria.com.au/news/images/foo.jpg
Fields Of Omagh will be Victorian racing's flagbearer when he takes on the world in Sunday's Japan Cup-G1 (2400m), but did you know:
Greg Childs has had more rides (10) on Fields of Omagh than any other jockey. Damien Oliver has ridden him four times and Steven King three times, including his Carlton Draught Cox Plate-G1 (2040m) victory last month. Garry Hoobin and Les Beer have also ridden Fields of Omagh on race day.
Fields of Omagh won seven races in succession from May 2001 to August 2002.
The shortest price Fields of Omagh started at was $2 when he won a 1350m Handicap at Cheltenham in October 2001.
The longest price Fields of Omagh started at was $18 in this year's Toorak Hcp-G1 (1600m) when he ran a gallant second to Roman Arch.
It took Fields of Omagh six starts to win his first race, claiming a 3YOC&G 1MW race in Sandown in March 2001.
Fields of Omagh collected $500 in prizemoney for connections at his first start - a fourth in a 1300m C&G Maiden at Bendigo. He has now amassed $3.292 million.
Darren Gauci and Simon Price have never lost a race riding Fields of Omagh. Gauci made it one from one, riding the gelding to victory at Sandown in 2001, while Price rode Fields of Omagh to two victories in Adelaide.
Fields of Omagh's last five starts have been at Group 1 level.
Fields of Omagh's longest winning margin was 3.3 lengths when he won a 1200m Hcp at Kyneton in September 2001.
He has a two-year-old half-brother named Malcolm (by Snippets), while this week a full-sister to him was foaled. Martin O'Connor also bred his younger siblings.
http://www.racingvictoria.com.au/news/foofastfacts.htm
http://www.jra.go.jp/english/images/news/1126photo/Fleetstreet-Dancer.jpg
The American entrant , Fleetstreet Dancer ( 49-1) took out the prestigious Japan Cup group 1 in Tokyo this afternoon, just managing to bob out the Japanese entrant Admire Don.
Fleetstreet Dancer relished the wet conditions, making his move around the home turn to take the lead heading for home before being tackled by Admire Don ( favourite) on his outside.
The two horses then staged a neck and neck battle towards the finish line, with Fleetstreet Dancer heading off Admire Don by a short half head on the line in a photo finish.
Fleetstreet Dancer had finished second to Pleasantly Perfect in the Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap on Oct. 4.
Imaufo for ASIAN RACING FORUMS>
http://www.horse-races.net/graphics/bc03/fleetstreetdancer.jpg
Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Jockey: Tyler Baze
Foaling Date: 5-12-1998
Pedigree: Smart Strike - Street Ballet by Nijinsky
Pedigree (http://www.pedigreequery.com/index.php?query_type=check&search_bar=horse&h=Fleetstreet+Dancer&g=5&inbred=Standard&x2=n)
Full Results (http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1129-02.html)
MURRAY BELL
High-class British mare Islington has been installed as 4-1 equal favourite, along with local star Symboli Kris S, for Sunday's US$4.3 million Japan Cup - the world's richest race on turf.
Renowned international form student Ken Goodwill, from the Michael Eskander organisation in Melbourne, said he was unable to separate the multiple British classic winner and Breeders Cup heroine from the top-rated Japanese star.
"Symboli Kris S, who was an unlucky third to Falbrav in last year's Japan Cup, was the clear pick of the locals," Goodwill said.
"But Islington has a bank of fabulous ratings, going back to her three-year-old days, which she has maintained right along.
"She has an explosive sprint while [2002 Hong Kong Vase winner] Ange Gabriel is our next best, at 9-2, but he is more of a powerful grinder."
Australian contender Fields Of Omagh had his first gallop at the rebuilt Fuchu racecourse on Wednesday, but did little to excite Japanese track watchers, doing pacework from the 1,600 metres before running 1,200 metres in 1:25.30, the final 600 in 43.0 seconds.
A number of Australian ratings organisations have queried the relatively low international rating of 116 given to Fields of Omagh in the wake of his Cox Plate triumph.
"You only have to look at the history of the Cox Plate to know a rating of 116 couldn't be right," said one analyst, who asked not to be named. "No Cox Plate winner can rate as poorly as 116."
The AAP Racing and Sports website, which produces "Timeform equivalent" ratings, credits Fields of Omagh with being a 121 performer, while Mark Read's Ozeform website ranks his Cox Plate performance at 76.5 kilograms (approximately 124).
Islington will be ridden by England's champion jockey Kieren Fallon, who has been on the Sadler's Wells filly in each of her 14 starts for six wins - three at Group One level.
She has won the last two editions of the Group One Yorkshire Oaks (2,400 metres) at the end of August and last start won the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf over 2,000 metres at Santa Anita on October 25.
As solid as her form is against the fairer sex, Islington's greatest claim probably comes via her splendid half-length third behind High Chaparral and Falbrav in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 6 - a performance rated 123.
Islington is trained at Newmarket by Sir Michael Stoute, who has already won two Japan Cups, and the filly is owned by the estate of the late Lord Weinstock, who raced Stoute's 1997 Japan Cup hero Pilsudski.
At yesterday's barrier draw in Tokyo, Islington's dream run of luck came to an end when the four-year-old landed the awkward number 14 alley.
Symboli Kris S, who'll be ridden by Olivier Peslier, came up with barrier five, while trainer Tony McEvoy was understandably delighted when Fields of Omagh drew four.
The Japan Cup is invariably run at a fast pace and local pundits are predicting the winner will need to race close to the speed on the newly laid Fuchu course.
Betting: 4-1 Islington (GB), Symboli Kris S (Japan); 9-2 Ange Gabriel; 6-1 Johar; 8-1 Tap Dance City Japan); 9-1 Fields Of Omagh (Australia); Tsurumaru Boy (Japan); 10-1 Fine Motion (Japan), Neo Universe (Japan); 12-1 Denon (USA); 14-1 Thats The Plenty (Japan); 16-1 Sarafan (USA); 25-1 Ana Marie (France), Sakura President (Japan), Slew Valley (USA), Sunrise Pegasus (Japan), Tigertail (France); 40-1 Silent Deal (Japan); 60-1 Active Bio (Japan), Derby Regno (Japan).
ALAN AITKEN
Breeders' Cup Turf dead-heater, Johar is expected to take his place in Sunday's Japan Cup but he has not escaped the hoodoo on Breeders' Cup winners in Asia and his place in the Hong Kong Vase may yet be clouded.
Johar, who shared the Breeders' Cup Turf with the Aidan O'Brien-trained High Chaparral, was reported yesterday to have sustained an injury to his near foreleg. A superficial injury, the cut had become infected and the leg swollen, causing Johar to miss trackwork on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Trainer Richard Mandella admitted yesterday he had been "somewhat worried". With the swelling subsided, Johar attended the trackwork session yesterday morning but was not pushed.
Mandella said he planned to give Johar more work this morning. While Johar may line up on Sunday, the hard race added to the injury places a cloud over his ability to press on to Sha Tin where he is the top-rated Hong Kong Vase entry.
"We have agreed with the trainer that we will look at how Johar runs and then see how he has come through the race and make a conclusion on Monday," said Hong Kong Jockey Club director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
"Richard Mandella is quite optimistic about Johar's prospects of coming for the Vase, but he also wants to see how he is after the Japan Cup. This is not only a situation with Johar.
"We have placed a number of horses on standby, with their owners and trainers knowing they may receive a call-up on Tuesday."
Johar is one of seven Hong Kong International Race invitees to be lining up in Tokyo on Sunday, including three of the four United States invitees.
The fourth American, Hong Kong Mile aspirant Mister Acpen, runs in the Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park, Los Angeles, tomorrow night.
In the past two years, Breeders' Cup Mile winner Val Royal was injured in his final gallop before he was due to board a plane from the US and, last year, Domedriver had an abscessed hoof on his arrival at Sha Tin and was unable to race.
Yes, agree that good to soft in France would be heavy here, Matt. The worry for Ange Gabriel is if the ground becomes bottomless. From what our trusty man on the spot Specialweek tells us, that is unlikely.
The market seems a bit skewed. As I understand things, Symboli Kris S is around even money in Japan. He is available at 7/2 on betfair, although I am not sure just how much liquidity is in the market. Obviously Fields of Omagh will distort the TAB markets in Australia.
Ange Gabriel is the 2nd highest rated runner, behind only Johar. Symboli Kris S is the highest rated local, but he is clearly behind Johar and Ange Gabriel.
My take on the Japanese form is that Symboli Kris S would be clearly on top on good ground. That's The Plenty seems to need further than the 2400m. However, as Specialweek points out, he is good on wet ground, and if it is really heavy, his stamina may stand him in good stead. Active Bio and Neo Universe look the other local hopes, with Neo Universe being the up and comer of that pair.
I might mix up the locals as Specialweek suggests
Rain, heavy, non-stop all night.
It will be a lake at this stage.
FOO yesterday here was 48/1.Ange Gabriel I don't have his odds but they were 28/1 from memory.
Does FOO handle heavy ground?
SKS will be there but may not win and at the moment is even money which may change tomorrow. As we have not had this type of track much at all this year it throws it open but actually reduces the number of horses that can win this.
Boxing 4 or 5 who handle the wet may be the way to go.
After taking another look at the wet track hopefuls I suggest you throw in these.
SKS, Tap Dance City, Neo Universe, That's the Plenty FOO to be hopeful and an interesting one is roughie Slew Valley.
Japan Cup barrier draw and past performances (http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/jc-BarrierDraw.html)
News
2003.11.27
JRA Handicapper's View
Japanese-trained horses aimed at the Japan Cup and Japan Cup Dirt 2003
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The 16th of November was the deadline for the Preliminary nomination for the Japanese-trained horses. Most of horses we are introducing in this Press Release have already been nominated.
According to the list of nominees, now we would like to begin with one of the older horses, Sunrise Pegasus (5-y-o, h, by Sunday Silence out of Higashi Brian by Brian's Time). He had suffered leg problems and had to be withdrawn from the Japan Cup last year. After one year lay off, he ran in the Tenno Sho ?Autumn and finished sixth, 0.7 seconds from the winner. His Pre-rating is 111, and the top jockey in Eastern Japan, Yoshitomo Shibata will be up.
Among the 3-y-o's, we expect to see a strong performance from Sakura President (3-y-o, c, by Sunday Silence, out of Sedan Forever by Maruzensky). He finished second in the JPN 2000 Guineas by a short margin to winner Neo Universe. He was defeated in the JPN Derby and JPN St Leger, but scored and impressive win in the Sapporo Kinen (JPN-G2, 3-y-o & up, 2000m, Sapporo Racecourse) in the summer and in the autumn, finished second in the Kobe Shimbun Hai (JPN-G2, 3-y-o, 2000m, Hanshin Racecourse). The winner of the latter was Neo Universe and That's the Plenty was third. His pre-rating was 114 from the JPN 2000 Guineas, and Yutaka Take, Japan's leading jockey will take the ride.
Latest News (http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1127-05.html)
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With all the rain would it be more of an advantage to the locals ?
Japan hasnt had this much rain for a long time, so hard to say.
Ill post my thoughts before the race if you like. There may be another Fleetstreet Dancer hidden away there.
if you are thinking of having a bet, I hear that they are starting to swing very wide off the rails on the home turn.
Ok...hre are my main selections...
5 Symboli Kris S
3 Sakura President
8 Neo Universe
11 Active Bio
16 Sarafan
Good luck!
:)
Good luck UFO ...go the japs!
Wow that thing just bolted in ..
There were 18 starters & 9 were foreign but the Jap horses ran first 5 placings .....
That was pretty good eh? Bolted in all right ( on the rails too!)
They ran 1.28.7 for the 2400 which is pretty good considering how much rain they have had.
Symboli could only manage third.
Didnt catch sight of Fields Of Omah.
Seabiscuit
30-11-2003, 14:58
The Japs always dominate in the Japan Cup. Homeground advantage. It seems to apply in most places except perhaps HK (limited pool of horses).
Seabiscuit
30-11-2003, 15:07
Fields of Omagh has just crawled across the line allowing the JRA to post the official results. I wonder if the Cox Plate will be downgraded internationally to G2 status and only a domestic G1 (like some HK races) after the effort of the latest Cox Plate winner.
THE JAPAN CUP (G1)
November 30, 2003, 2400m, Turf
INT DSN, Special Weight, 3-Year-Olds & Up, Open Class, Value of race: 481,520,000 Yen
FP Bk Hs Horse Sex
Age Weight
(Kg) Finish
(1/10s) Margin
1st 1 1 Tap Dance City(USA) H6 57.0 2:28.7
2nd 5 10 That's the Plenty(JPN) C3 55.0 2:30.2 9
3rd 3 5 Symboli Kris S(USA) C4 57.0 2:30.3 3/4
4th 4 8 Neo Universe(JPN) C3 55.0 2:30.3 HD
5th 6 11 Active Bio(JPN) H6 57.0 2:30.5 1 1/4
6th 8 17 Tigertail(FR) F4 55.0 2:30.6 NK
7th 5 9 Ange Gabriel(FR) H5 57.0 2:30.7 1/2
8th 1 2 Denon(USA) H5 57.0 2:30.8 1/2
9th 7 14 Islington(IRE) F4 55.0 2:31.0 1 1/4
10th 6 12 Derby Regno(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.2 1 1/2
11th 8 18 Sunrise Pegasus(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.3 1/2
12th 3 6 Ana Marie(FR) F4 55.0 2:31.3 NK
13th 7 15 Slew Valley(USA) H6 57.0 2:31.3 NS
14th 2 3 Sakura President(JPN) C3 55.0 2:31.4 1/2
15th 4 7 Tsurumaru Boy(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.9 3
16th 7 13 Johar(USA) C4 57.0 2:35.6 DS
17th 8 16 Sarafan(USA) G6 57.0 2:35.9 2
18th 2 4 Fields of Omagh(AUS) G6 57.0 2:38.2 DS
zeditave
30-11-2003, 19:22
that'd be a phenomenal time imaufo....
most people have bagged this yr's Cox as the weakest for several years... you don't change ratings on one race.
Did FoO break down again?
It would be considered quick for Australia but probably about average for Japan? But because the ground was wet / chopped up makes it more impressive.
Nothing else apart from the winner was competitive...they needed to be up on the pace and instead they were all at the back thinking that the leader would get tired and stop...which didnt happen.
Foo just looked as though he ran out of puff halfway through. I dont think he has had any work since he got there...no wonder really.
http://racing.scmp.com/english/images/news/lead01122003a.jpg
'I felt like he ran the race alone,' says jockey after local horse wins by nine lengths
In the clear: Japan's Tetsuzo Sato rides Tap Dance City to victory in the 2,400 metres Japan Cup, outrunning an international lineup to win by nine lengths. The top five places were all taken by Japan horses. European Pressphoto Agency photo
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE and REUTERS in Tokyo
Tap Dance City, one of the outsiders, romped to victory and the first prize of 250 million yen (US$2.3 million) in the Japan Cup yesterday. Tap Dance City made all the running to triumph by nine lengths, leading a Japanese sweep of the top five positions in the 2,400-metre race.
The six-year-old, ridden by Tetsuzo Sato, took the lead soon after breaking from an inside draw in the 18-horse field and never faced a serious challenge afterwards.
Stretching the distance to seven lengths on the back straight, Tap Dance City crossed the finish line in two minutes and 28.7 seconds, nine lengths ahead of That's The Plenty and third-placed favourite Symboli Kris S.
"I'd never thought of finishing by nine lengths. I thought I would do well when I had a wide lead at the second corner," said Sato.
"I never think about a race strategy, I just think about the combination with my horse. He started really well, he ran steadily. I felt like the horse ran the race alone.
"I wanted to become a jockey since I watched Katsuragi Ace winning the Japan Cup, so I'm really happy about it. Hopefully this is not my last victory in a Grade One race," added Sato.
The trio of French horses finished well down the field. Tigertail with Thierry Gillet in the saddle was sixth, Ange Gabriel ridden by Thierry Jarnet was seventh, and Ana Marie guided by Christophe Lemaire was 12th.
Last year's runner-up, Sarafan from the United States, finished a lowly 17th.
The winner paid just under 13-1 on the Japanese tote and almost 18-1 on the Hong Kong tote.
The penultimate leg of the World Series Racing Championship had offered incentives this year to winners of earlier global races to try their luck in Tokyo.
But English-trained Islington, the Yorkshire Oaks winner, and US raider Johar, who both won races at the Breeders' Cup in California a month ago, trailed in ninth and 16th.
Australian challenger Fields Of Omagh, winner of the Cox Plate, finished last.
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TOKYO 10R THE JAPAN CUP (G1)
November 30, 2003, 2400m, Turf
INT DSN, Special Weight, 3-Year-Olds & Up, Open Class, Value of race: 481,520,000 Yen
FP Bk Hs Horse Sex
Age Weight
(Kg) Finish
(1/10s) Margin
1st 1.... 1 Tap Dance City(USA) H6 57.0 2:28.7
2nd 5.... 10 That's the Plenty(JPN) C3 55.0 2:30.2 9
3rd 3..... 5 Symboli Kris S(USA) C4 57.0 2:30.3 3/4
4th 4 8 Neo Universe(JPN) C3 55.0 2:30.3 HD
5th 6 11 Active Bio(JPN) H6 57.0 2:30.5 1 1/4
6th 8 17 Tigertail(FR) F4 55.0 2:30.6 NK
7th 5 9 Ange Gabriel(FR) H5 57.0 2:30.7 1/2
8th 1 2 Denon(USA) H5 57.0 2:30.8 1/2
9th 7 14 Islington(IRE) F4 55.0 2:31.0 1 1/4
10th 6 12 Derby Regno(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.2 1 1/2
11th 8 18 Sunrise Pegasus(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.3 1/2
12th 3 6 Ana Marie(FR) F4 55.0 2:31.3 NK
13th 7 15 Slew Valley(USA) H6 57.0 2:31.3 NS
14th 2 3 Sakura President(JPN) C3 55.0 2:31.4 1/2
15th 4 7 Tsurumaru Boy(JPN) H5 57.0 2:31.9 3
16th 7 13 Johar(USA) C4 57.0 2:35.6 DS
17th 8 16 Sarafan(USA) G6 57.0 2:35.9 2
18th 2 4 Fields of Omagh(AUS) G6 57.0 2:38.2 DS
The 23rd running of the JAPAN CUP welcomed nine foreign contenders—DENON, JOHAR, SARAFAN and SLEW VALLEY from USA, ANA MARIE, ANGE GABRIEL and TIGERTAIL from France, ISLINGTON from Ireland, and FIELDS OF OMAGH from Australia. The rain that started yesterday morning and continued throughout the night cleared before noon and the going was altered from soft to yielding by the beginning of the 9th race.
Japanese horses swept the top five positions in this year’s JAPAN CUP. Fourth favorite TAP DANCE CITY mounted by Tetsuzo Sato ran from wire to wire to claim the race with an overwhelming 9-length margin, marking his first G1 victory. Fifth pick THAT’S THE PLENTY followed in second, with race favorite SYMBOLI KRIS S in third.
The race started off with TAP DANCE CITY taking the lead to set the pace. THAT’S THE PLENTY and ACTIVE BIO angled in and rallied for second position while the frontrunner widened the gap to 10 lengths in the backstretch.
Given a breather before going around the last corner, the bay horse carted off concerns over his dislike for soft going and drew away with an impressive kick to a staggering 9-length margin, the largest ever marked in the Japan Cup.
THAT’S THE PLENTY mounted by Katsumi Ando settled in second position by the rail and charged forward in the homestretch but was far from nailing the leader to finish a distant second. Olivier Peslier on board SYMBOLI KRIS S waited in midfield and bid for second place from the inside but was 3/4-length short to finish third.
“I was just concentrating on letting him run and keeping the rhythm. I didn’t have to do much, the horse just went,” recalled TAP DANCE CITY’s jockey Tetsuzo Sato.
14th-pick TIGERTAIL mounted by Thierry Gillet settled in the rear group and showed good leg in the homestretch to finish 6th. “The filly ran well in the homestretch but the Japanese horses were strong. Finishing the first among foreign horses, I think she did really well for a filly,” commented T. Gillet.
Third-favorite ANGE GABRIEL with Thierry Jarnet ran between horses in 5th position but fell to 7th before the third corner and was one paced at the stretch to finish 7th. “The going was too soft and the pace was too fast for the horse. The ceremony before the race made him nervous,” explained T. Jarnet.
Corey Nakatani riding 7th pick DENON saved ground in mid-division throughout and was unable to accelerate in the homestretch, finishing 8th. “The horse ran well. I was able to settle him in good position but he got tired in the homestretch. The pace may not have suited him,” C. Nakatani reflected on the race.
Eighth-pick ISLINGTON mounted by Kieren Fallon settled 4th place 3 out but was one paced in the homestretch to finish 9th. “Her condition was really good but the going was too soft. She doesn’t pick up on soft goings,” said K. Fallon.
ANA MARIE (17th-pick) ridden by Christophe Lemaire broke well but gradually overtaken by horses from behind around the second corner to finish 12th. “The distance was too long and the going too soft for the filly, though I think she did well for a filly,” commented C. Lemaire.
Jorge Chavez settled 16th-pick SLEW VALLEY in midfield and edged up to 4th position by the last corner but flattened in the homestretch to finish 13th. “He tired in the homestretch. The going didn’t suite him well,” explained J. Chavez.
Alex Solis sat sixth choice JOHAR in 7th position until the last corner but dropped behind in homestretch to 16th place. A. Solis commented; “He slipped at the 5/8th pole in his front and back real bad. It happened 3 to 4 times and from then on, he was afraid”
Victor Espinoza settled last year’s runner-up SARAFAN (13th-pick) in midfield and steered the bay to the outside at the homestretch but showed no leg to finish 17th. “The bay’s condition was good but he couldn’t exert his strength in the soft going,” commented Victor Espinoza.
Steven King on top 11th favorite FIELDS OF OMAGH broke well to settle in 4th position but faded in the stretch to finish last. “It was a very disappointing race. The turf was not what I had expected and I couldn’t do what I wanted. The bay couldn’t show his leg,” spoke S. King.
8 NEO UNIVERSE–Hugged rail toward rear, showed effort to closed in on SYMBOLI KRIS S in 4th.
11 ACTIVE BIO–Settled just off the pace, held on well in homestretch to finish 5th.
12 DERBY REGNO–Trailed, improved after last corner to 10th.
18 SUNRISE PEGASUS–Settled in rear, followed DERBY REGNO in homestretch to finish 11th.
3 SAKURA PRESIDENT–Settled 3rd from last, made no bid, finished 14th.
7 TSURUMARU BOY– Delayed start, stayed 2nd from last, improved position in homestretch to 15th.
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© 2003 Japan Racing Association.
JRA (http://www.jra.go.jp/english/news/1130-02.html)
http://www.aapracingandsports.com.au//featureinfo/foo/images/dsc00965.jpg
FOO checking out Mount Fuji
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/library/journal/title.jpg
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by Toru Shirai Racing journalist
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The 23rd Japan Cup was a race that embodied the JRA's hopes for a revival. For Tokyo Racecourse, the gateway to Japanese horseracing, this was already a year of historical significance. For it was exactly 70 years ago, in 1933, that the racecourse was first built in Fuchu. A third major renovation of the stands is now under way. Work will not be finished until 2007, but the course was already complete by spring this year. The curves at the four turns were softened and the finishing line moved forward about 26 meters, giving a straight of 526 meters.
History of the Japan Cup
The 22-year history of the Japan Cup, meanwhile, has also been a story of improving standards for Japanese horseracing. Japanese horses won only 2 of the first 11 races, but 7 of the next 11. The dilemma for the Japan Cup was that, as more Japanese horses won, the level of the challengers fell. Three years ago, 250 million YEN--an unprecedented sum for turf racing anywhere in the world--was on offer for the winning horse. But the reaction was disappointing. So, from this year on, a bonus has been added. Winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup Turf get an additional 130 million YEN, and winners of the Cox Plate an extra 100 million YEN.
The effect was immediate. From the United States, the race was joined by Johar (by Gone West), joint winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf in a dead heat with High Chaparral. Another notable runner was the Cox Plate winner, Fields of Omagh (by Rubiton, son of Century). Of the nine foreign entrants, no fewer than six were G1 race winners. From Oceania, the race welcomed its first runner in six years. (The lack of entrants in recent years was due to a lack of direct flights). As an additional bonus, foreign horses that win the Japan Cup are also permitted to enter the Arima Kinen in December (180 million YEN). To cut a long story short, all these efforts by the JRA eventually bore fruit. One-race betting handle increased for the first time in five years, up by 10% from the previous year, to 23.9 billion YEN.
The favorite was Symboli Kris S (by Kris S). Third behind Falbrav (by Fairy King) in last year's Japan Cup, Symboli Kris S won the year-end Arima Kinen and was named Horse of the Year. He was also a strong winner in the autumn Tenno Sho (2,000 meters), which he won for the second time in succession. The second favorite was Neo Universe (by Sunday Silence). Having won the Satsuki Sho and the Derby, he was set to become the first horse in nine years to clinch the Triple Crown, but fell back to third place in the Kikka Sho. The third favorite was the French horse Ange Gabriel (by Kaldounevees, son of Kaldoun), boasting a track record of eight wins over 2,400 meters. Johar was sixth and Fields of Omagh 11th in the stakes.
The 23rd Japan Cup
This year's Japan Cup was strongly affected by the weather. Rain had fallen continuously since the middle of the week before the race, but stopped on the day of the race. The course therefore changed from muddy to heavy, but still held a lot of water. Tap Dance City (by Pleasant Tap, son of Pleasant Colony) notched a winning time of 2:28.7, with all other runners in the 2:30 range. Racing closest to the rail, Tap Dance City held pole position right from the start. "It's not that he is particularly good at heavy courses," said his jockey. "But in the warm-up the track was so cut up that I was having to rely on the bit too much. If I'd held back in second or third place the horse would have slipped. So I really went for it straight from the start."
By the first turn, Tap Dance City had already built up a huge lead, which grew to more than 10 lengths on the back stretch. A horse has to be strong to pull away like that when the going is heavy. Even on the straight, the chasing pack lost their footing, and the final dash failed to materialize. The margin between winner and runner-up That's The Plenty (Kikka Sho winner, by Dance In The Dark, son of Sunday Silence) was nine lengths, the biggest winning margin in the history of the Japan Cup.
Winner, Tap Dance City
Tap Dance City was fourth favorite, evidence that his ability had been recognized. He had also built up a big lead in the Arima Kinen at the end of last year, and although he was caught by Symboli Kris S just before the post, his boldness of spirit was impressive. His track record this year has been even more consistent, with three wins in four races, two GII victories, and third position in a GI race. He passed over the Tenno Sho (2,000 meters)--for which he was favored--and honed his sights on the Japan Cup, a strategy that paid off in the end.
http://www.jair.jrao.ne.jp/library/journal/v11n6/photo_02.jpg
2003 Japan Cup winner, Tap Dance City (by Pleasant Tap, out of All Dance)
Tap Dance City was bred in the United States. He is owned by the Yushun Horse Club, a pioneering horse-owning syndicate founded 35 years ago. The JRA has authorized 19 of these syndicates, which consist of anything between 20 and about 1,000 shareholders. One of the more established syndicates is Shadai Race Horse, operated by the Shadai Group, and owner of Neo Universe and That's The Plenty. The 30 million YEN purchase price of Tap Dance City, meanwhile, is divided into 500 shares.
Tap Dance City was a strong winner of the race. My impression is that Japanese classifications have been held down over the past few years, but a higher rating should be attached this year. I would expect Japanese horses as a whole to increase by several pounds as a result.
The attendance at the 23rd Japan Cup on November 30 was 82,336.
Horseracing can only be understood by actually taking part. There can be no success without a challenge. In the Japan Cup Dirt, the 11th favourite Fleet Street Dancer (by Smart Strike, son of Mr. Prospector) became the first foreign horse to win the race--at the fourth time of asking--after an epic struggle with the Japanese ace Admire Don (by Timber Country).
Next year, too, the JRA hopes to see some high-quality challengers.
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