This year's G1 Japanese Derby winner, Croix du Nord (Colt, 3yo), who finished 14th in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in his previous start, returned to the Ritto Training Center on the afternoon of the 11th after spelling at Northern Farm Shigaraki.

His groom, Mamiya, said with a smile, "He's the same as always. I think he's gotten a little bigger again." The colt will now be trained with the G1 Japan Cup (November 30, Tokyo Racecourse) as his main target. "He'll work on Thursday (the 13th) with Yuichi Kitamura up, and I think we'll make a decision based on how he goes this week and next," Mamiya explained.

If his condition does not come together in time, the plan is to shift his target to the G1 Arima Kinen (December 27, Nakayama Racecourse).