Still basking in the afterglow of the Japan Cup (G1), Japanese fans turn their attention to the Champions Cup (G1) Dec. 3 on the Chukyo Racecourse dirt and a field that already is experienced in carrying the nation's banner in international competition.
As the prestige of dirt racing has surged in Japan, so has the quality of the contenders for the 1,800-meter (about 1 1/8 miles) event, one of just two Japan Racing Association grade 1 races conducted on the surface.
This year's Champions Cup attracted several of the most accomplished although Panthalassa , winner of February's $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) on the King Abdulaziz Racecourse dirt, was redirected to the Japan Cup, where his breakaway pace set things up nicely for the winner Equinox .
American racing fans will recognize Crown Pride , who won the 2022 UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai, then finished 13th in the Kentucky Derby (G1) after chasing a suicidal pace that set the table for upset winner Rich Strike . He finished second to Jun Light Bolt in the 2022 Champions Cup and was fifth in both the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup (G1) to start the current campaign.
Crown Pride skipped the Nov. 3 JBC Classic at the National Association of Racing's Oi Racecourse after winning the Korea Cup (G3) Sept. 10 in a total romp in his most recent start.
"He's been striding out well in training and has found a good rhythm in his work. He's mentally stronger now, too. He looks to be in very good shape and should be just right come the day of the race," trainer Koichi Shintani said of Crown Pride, who drew gate 9 in a field of 15.
"There are some strong horses in the race again this year but, with the condition he's in, it should put him right up there with them. He hasn't been losing by much in his previous races and the way he won last time in Korea certainly gives us confidence here."
The 2021 Champions Cup winner, T O Keynes , returns. The 6-year-old son of Sinister Minister was fourth in last year's edition and fourth in this year's Dubai World Cup. He was last seen finishing third in the JBC Classic but assistant trainer Yuichi Tomomichi was handy with an excuse for that.
"It was probably because of the ground that he didn't get such a good result, as the surface at Oi isn't the most suitable for him," Tomomichi said. "He's a horse that likes a fast pace … He's been running well."
Lemon Pop , a 5-year-old by Lemon Drop Kid , won the February Stakes (G1) going a mile on the Tokyo Racecourse dirt Feb. 19 but then was 10th in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) on World Cup night at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs). After a seven-month break, he returned to win the listed Mile Championship at Morioka.
Trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka admitted to "a worry about the 1,800 meters this time, and how balanced he might be in the run," adding, "It'll be interesting to see what kind of race he can run. We'll rely on the jockey (Ryusei Sakai) to get the best out of him."
Also with experience in Dubai is Dura Erede , who finished second to Derma Sotogake in this year's UAE Derby. He, however, has shown nothing in three starts since returning to Japan.
Gloria Mundi was second, far back of Crown Pride, in the Korea Cup but will try again at Chukyo, where he has earned two of his seven career wins. He finished 12th in each of his two previous grade 1 starts, including last year's Champions Cup.
Japan's dirt racing scene is scheduled for a shakeup in the 2024 season with the NAR rearranging some of its major events into a "Dirt Triple Crown" for 3-year-olds concluding with the Japan Dirt Derby at Oi in October. Purses are to be hiked with a bonus for a sweep.
The three legs of the NAR series all will fall between the JRA's February Stakes and Champions Cup and provide added incentive to breeders and owners to consider putting more emphasis on dirt pedigrees.
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