Husband-and-wife jockey duo Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle have returned to Japan on short-term licenses for the third consecutive year. Marquand will partner with Scintillation in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, while Doyle aims for a graded stakes victory aboard Satono Ailes d'Or in the Fukushima Kinen.

Their experience in Japan has put the pair at ease, as they smiled and shared insights with the media after finalizing their documentation. Marquand, who achieved his 1,000th career win last September at the age of 25, is back in Japan to build on his already impressive skills. In Sunday's Queen Elizabeth II Cup he will team up with Scintillation, who recently finished a strong second in the Fuchu Himba Stakes. "She showed a great turn of foot in her last race, and the added distance should work in her favour," he shared, eager for the challenge.

Doyle, who became the second female jockey in British history to reach 1,000 wins as of September, is equally excited to kick off her season at Fukushima. "I was fortunate to win several races here last year, and starting again at Fukushima is a positive step," she said with a smile. The ever-improving young couple is one to watch this season.