Who to watch in the upcoming G1 Japan Cup
Monday, 18 November, 2024 13:27
Do Deuce (Photo: Yuki Shimono)
Do Deuce has matured throughout his international campaigns and comes into the Japan Cup off a decisive win in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). He is expected to be a top contender once again. Here is a look at the main contenders.
Do Deuce ventured to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as a three-year-old, where he was ultimately well-beaten. Undeterred, he continued to challenge abroad, finishing a close fifth in this year's Dubai Turf despite encountering significant interference. His steady improvement was evident in his last race, the Tenno Sho (Autumn), where he unleashed a powerful late kick to secure his first win since the Arima Kinen last year. A proven talent, who defeated Equinox in the Japanese Derby, Do Deuce will aim for another G1 victory on the same course. He will be partnered with Yutaka Take.
Auguste Rodin arrives in Japan boasting six G1 wins. Despite carrying 61 kg in his last two starts, he has remained competitive, most recently finishing ahead of Shin Emperor, a colt with strong performances in the Satsuki Sho and Japanese Derby, in the Irish Champion Stakes. With his sire Deep Impact having excelled over Tokyo's 2400m course, a big performance is expected under Ryan Moore.
Other notable contenders include Shin Emperor, who gave Auguste Rodin a close race two starts back in the Irish Champion Stakes, dual classic-winning filly Cervinia, well-handicapped at 54 kg, Blow the Horn, known for his sustained finishing kick, Stars on Earth, last year's third-place finisher who thrives at Tokyo, and Justin Palace, who showed plenty of promise in his return in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Post time is set for 3:40 PM JST.
Do Deuce ventured to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as a three-year-old, where he was ultimately well-beaten. Undeterred, he continued to challenge abroad, finishing a close fifth in this year's Dubai Turf despite encountering significant interference. His steady improvement was evident in his last race, the Tenno Sho (Autumn), where he unleashed a powerful late kick to secure his first win since the Arima Kinen last year. A proven talent, who defeated Equinox in the Japanese Derby, Do Deuce will aim for another G1 victory on the same course. He will be partnered with Yutaka Take.
Auguste Rodin arrives in Japan boasting six G1 wins. Despite carrying 61 kg in his last two starts, he has remained competitive, most recently finishing ahead of Shin Emperor, a colt with strong performances in the Satsuki Sho and Japanese Derby, in the Irish Champion Stakes. With his sire Deep Impact having excelled over Tokyo's 2400m course, a big performance is expected under Ryan Moore.
Other notable contenders include Shin Emperor, who gave Auguste Rodin a close race two starts back in the Irish Champion Stakes, dual classic-winning filly Cervinia, well-handicapped at 54 kg, Blow the Horn, known for his sustained finishing kick, Stars on Earth, last year's third-place finisher who thrives at Tokyo, and Justin Palace, who showed plenty of promise in his return in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
Post time is set for 3:40 PM JST.