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Franking the form of the Group 1 $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, NICKS Co Ltd’s Suave Richard was an impressive winner of the G1 $5.6 million Japan Cup in Association with Longines (Deep Impact Memorial) on Sunday.

Ridden to perfection by DWC Carnival regular Oisin Murphy, the son of 2006 Sheema winner Heart's Cry relished the yielding course and rode the rail to victory. Earlier this season, he was a fine third in the Sheema astern Old Persian and Cheval Grand for trainer Yasushi Shono.

"The Japan Cup is one of the world's most importation races and I'm thrilled for the opportunity and thankful for everyone who made it possible," Murphy said. "I could have pushed (eventual runner-up) Curren Bouquetd'or out, but (the inside path) was always going to open, as the leader was getting tired.

"Japanese horses are becoming the best in the world and this is a great race to showcase them," he continued. "The atmosphere here was fantastic. I'd love for this continue and come to Japan every year and I hope you can do lots of cheering for me. I always do my best."

Fellow Sheema runners Cheval Grand and Rey de Oro checked in ninth and 11th. No future plans have been rendered for the winner, but a return to Dubai would conceivably be on the table if he stays in training in 2020.