Japan enjoyed a great night 12 months ago, winning two of the Group One turf features on the card with Gentildonna victorious in the 2,400m Dubai Sheema Classic, less than an hour after Just A Way destroyed his field in the 1,800m Dubai Duty Free.
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A team of seven have descended on Meydan this year, headed by Dubai World Cup hopefuls Epiphaneia and Hokko Tarumae. The former, who will be making his dirt debut, won last year’s Japan Cup. That success in Japan’s biggest race was achieved under Saturday’s partner, Christophe Soumillon, the only time the Belgian has ridden the horse in a race.
It is interesting connections elect to run in the big one, although the $10 million (Dh36.7m) pot may well have swayed their decision to take on this race and not the $6 million (Dh22m) Sheema Classic.
Trained by Katsuhiko Sumii, he seems to have settled in well and taken to his new surroundings if his appearance during a steady canter yesterday is anything to go by.
Assistant trainer Norihiko Kishimoto said: “He has been training very well and will do a last serious gallop on the dirt track on Wednesday morning. It is great to be here representing Japan.”
Compatriot Hokko Tarumae is at least proven on dirt and was also cantering on the Meydan dirt yesterday under the watchful gaze of his big night jockey Hideaki Miyuki, who explained: “I have not actually sat on him since he arrived but I have walked on the dirt course which seems more sticky than the ones at home. That should suit him as he is a powerful mover.”
PICTURE OF THE DAY: Dubai World Cup favourite California Chrome working under the Meydan lights pic.twitter.com/lTFQeQtlIq
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) March 24, 2015
Japan are also doubly represented in the 2,400m Dubai Sheema Classic with One And Only joined in the field by the very useful filly, Harp Star. Both are Grade One winners in their homeland.
One And Only’s trainer, Kojiro Hashiguchi, flew in to Dubai yesterday morning and was able to watch his charge exercise on the dirt track. He reported: “I was pleased with that and he looks very well. He is both talented and gutsy which is always a good combination.”
One And Only’s sire, Hearts Cry, won this same race in 2006. Sadly, trainer Hiroyoshi Matsuda missed Harp Star’s canter on the dirt yesterday, arriving shortly after she had finished. He said: “She had just left the track when I arrived but my staff tell me everything has gone to plan since she arrived. She will gallop properly on Wednesday.”
Ryan Moore, victorious aboard Gentildonna last year, is an eye-catching jockey booking.
The other three Japanese runners all clash in the 1,900m dirt Group 2 UAE Derby, with Moore aboard Golden Barows for trainer Noriyuki Hori.
The horse was cantering and trotting on the dirt track yesterday and pleased assistant trainer Kazutomo Mori, who said: “He was a bit tense yesterday morning but much more relaxed and happy today. It was a nice piece of exercise and he will have a schooling session at the stalls before Saturday as he has been a bit slow away in recent starts.”
Dear Domus and Tap That complete the trio and there appears little between them judging by their clash in Grade One company last year when Dear Domus posted a narrow victory. However, both were well beaten by Golden Barows subsequently.
