Lisa Allpress is banking on previous experience in Japan to help her when she competes in the World All Stars Jockeys series at Sapporo in Hokkaido.
New Zealand’s premier jockey will ride in the four-race series on Saturday and Sunday.
She has picked up a further three rides including Daimei Fuji in the Group Three Keeneland Cup (1200m) on Sunday.
As well as competing for individual honours, Allpress is part of the international team, which also features Ireland’s Colm O’Donoghue, Hong Kong’s Karis Teetan and Julien Leparoux from the United States.
The Japanese team comprises Yutaka Take, Christophe Lemaire, Suguru Hamanaka and Nanako Fujita.
“I’m super excited. When I got here yesterday I felt that connection with Japan again,” Allpress told NZ Racing Desk.
“I really like Japan. It’s a nice place to be and the people are lovely.
“A lot is the luck of the draw. I’m here to enjoy myself but to do my best and go as close to winning as I can.
“I remember going through my apprenticeship and hearing all about the World Jockeys Super Series and the trip to Japan and it’s always been something I’ve aspired to do.”
Allpress is familiar with Japanese racing having ridden there on three previous short-term contracts.
“I’m hoping my experience here stands me in good stead for this series,” she said.
“I know how they race here and I’ve ridden on the dirt before, not that I really like it.
“They ride on a long rein here and push hard in the first 400 metres of the race. It shouldn’t take me long to get back into the swing of racing here.
