Korea Cup and the UAE Derby winner Crown Pride is ready for the G1 Champions Cup, a chance to take his first G1 title, according to connections. He has been performing well at home in readiness for the race, and we interviewed jockey Yuga Kawada and trainer Koichi Shintani.

Yuga Kawada

Interviewer - "How was the last run in the Korea Cup?"

Yuga Kawada - "He was in good condition and he was resilient."

Interviewer - "What do you think of the track this time?"

Yuga Kawada - "A mile course at Chukyo is tougher than the one in Kyoto as we climb up two uphills. He is resilient and tough so I hope his stamina will last until the finish line."

Koichi Shintani

Interviewer - "It has been a year since Crown Pride finished second in this race. How do you feel?"

Koichi Shintani - "I wish I could have won that day and cannot believe it has already been a year."

Interviewer - "What did you think of his run in the Korea Cup?"

Koichi Shintani - "I wanted him to see what it is like to finish first and it worked out."

Interviewer - "How has he been doing after the last run in South Korea?"

Koichi Shintani - "He was out at the pasture farm and came back to us a month ago. He also did great in his final fast work. It has been three months and I think this break was good for him mentally and physically."

Interviewer - "What is your plan for the race?"

Koichi Shintani - "Usually, I do not have plans for the race. I trust the horse and Yuga (Kawada). It has been a year and we will try everything to win this race."