3 minute read

This Grand Prix, G 1, will be run on Sunday at Nakayama over 2500m and there are 6 foreign jockeys riding!

Firstly on Saturday we have the Hanshin Cup G2 over 1400m and of course it is held at Hanshin. It's a very open race with the mare Jour Polaire currently on top for Mirco Demuro - a Deep Impact product of course. Mr Melody is by Scat Daddy and is on 6.4 with Cristian Demuro riding. Red Falx will be ridden by our own High Bowman - they are on 6.7. Satano Ares could be value on 6.8 and Moonquake is on 7.6 for Lemaire.

The Arima Kinen is one of the two races in Japan where the first ten runners are chosen by popular vote.

The current second favourite, Oju Chosan, is one of these as the horse who has done most of his running over jumps was the third pick and he's won his last 11 starts. He's 6.3 in the Morning Line.

Rey de Oro has been set for this, having bypassed the Japan Cup (and Almond Eye) after winning the Autumn Tenno Sho. He's had a busy year running 4th in the Dubai Sheema but his runs have been carefully spaced. Christophe Lemaire as usual has the ride and they are currently on top on 2.3.

Kiseki ran a commendable race in the Japan Cup leading for much of the way and just being beaten by Almond Eye in the final stages. He's on 8.4 and may be our go in the race. Kawada rides.

Then we have Blast Onepiece and Mozu Katchan on 11.2. Satono Diamond will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla and is on 12.9 - this will be his last start so a good finish is expected. Slightly rougher are the mounts of Hugh Bowman - Cheval Grand on 28.3 and Oisin Murphy - Mikki Rocket on 20.8.

So there are 2 Aussie jockeys, 2 Italians, 1 French and 1 English/Irish!

The Arima Kinen is said to be the biggest betting race in the world and this year's version should be well worth watching and maybe enjoying a little flutter on.