One of the more iconic races on the world calendar is the Japan Cup (2400m) and the 2024 edition this Sunday at Tokyo shapes up to be a beauty.
Down below is a runner preview for the 2024 Japan Cup.
2024 Japan Runner Preview:
1. Goliath: History is against the gelding given only one French based horse has won the Japan Cup, back in 1987. He has been injury plagued in recent weeks/months but his overall 2024 form is very strong and I think he has to be respected.
2. Blow The Horn: Resumed as favourite at Kyoto last time and produced a career worst run when last, with the vet finding nothing. From all reports, the work since has been strong, but off last run, I can’t entertain him.
3. Do Deuce: Scored a dominant Tenno Sho Autumn win last time out, stamping him as top seed for the race after being several lengths off Equinox in the race last year. He looks a better horse 12 months on and maps perfect. One of the hardest to beat.
4. Justin Palace: He is the one for me. He resumed behind Do Deuce and was very good, closing off with purpose late to run fourth. This race does tend to suit those with a strong finale, and for mine, he is the one that will be strongest late. Great each way speck.
5. Struve: Talented horse but first up into this is a big ask and I don’t think he’s good enough.
6. Danon Beluga: Down the track in the Tenno Sho Autumn and suspect something similar will eventuate here.
7. Shin Emperor: Didn’t quite fire in the Arc but that was on heavy ground so he finds firmer footing, returns home and his prior form was quite strong. If there is one at odds that can win without surprising, it is this guy
8. Auguste Rodin: He becomes the first horse by Deep Impact based overseas to contest the Japan Cup. The stable is bullish on him handling the firm ground for the race and his 2024 form, as a whole, is pretty good, highlighted by a Prince Of Wales win at Royal Ascot. He commands respect.
9. Cervinia: Star filly who has been running fast time for her age. Not quite the times of Do Deuce but she does get the weight pull and gets Lemaire to steer, who is far and away the best rider in Japan at the moment, so she has a bit in her corner.
10. Durezza: He was far from disgraced in the Juddmonte at York and is unbeaten at Tokyo. He has been a bit under the radar throughout 2024 but he brings strong enough form lines to say don’t dismiss him.
11. Karate: The ambulance may beat him home.
12. Sol Oriens: Didn’t disgrace himself in the Tenno Sho Autumn but I just don’t think the class/quality is there to improve.
13. Fantastic Moon: Not up to these.
14. Stars On Earth: The X Factor. First up after eight months, not raced since the Sheema Classic at Meydan, she ran third in the Japan Cup last year and was very good in defeat there. If she brings that here, she can win.
Japan Cup Top 4 Selections
Justin Palace
Do Deuce
Auguste Rodin
Stars On Earth
