Lemon Pop showed his readiness in his final fast work ahead of his bid to win back-to-back dirt G1s in the Champions Cup.

Trainer of Lemon Pop, Hiroyasu Tanaka, commented: "He is almost 100% in terms of his condition but his balance was not there yet. He has been better after running in the Negishi Stakes both mentally and physically. He has always been exceeding our expectations so we are confident."

Horses starting from barrier number 15 have not been placed since 2014, and Tanaka added, "I think it will be fine. He knows how to race and it is easier to race from the outside."