3 minute read

This is arguably the most popular race of the year in Japan and it has a popular vote for the first ten runners.

All eyes will be on Almond Eye, the outstanding 4yo daughter of Lord Kanaloa.  She didn't go to the Japan Cup this year as she was supposed to go to Hong Kong but she had a temp and couldn't make it, although she only lost one day of training.  Her run in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) was sensational and of course Christophe Lemaire has the ride.  She's odds on at 1.6.  However this is her first time to Nakayama and her first run over 2500m, but neither factor should be too important.  She was the top pick from the popular vote.

Main challenger is Lys Gracieux, a 5yo daughter of Heart's Cry who has been an intrepid traveller and will be partnered by Aussie jockey Damian Lane who is flying In especially for the ride, as he partnered her in her sensational Cox Plate win and she is a horse who seems to be getting better with every run.  8.5 is value if you can get it.

Saturnalia is a 3yo son of Lord Kanaloa and that amazing American Oaks winner Cesario. He wasn't that far away in the Tenno Sho and has won twice on this track over 2000.  He's also drawn next to Almond Eye so it will be interesting to see what tactics Christophe Soumillon employs. He's on 8.7.

World Premiere has come back in fine form this autumn – he's a 3yo Deep Impact colt and will have Yutake Take riding and he's on 11.5.

Suave Richard of course won the Japan Cup, Fierement went to France without much luck and Kiseki is another good horse.

This really is a true G1 race and we are really looking forward to it.