Winning the Juddmonte International on Wednesday is likely to push the Cox Plate into the background for Japan with the Irish Champion Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe possible assignments for the son of Galileo.
The British–bred colt continued his seemingly relentless ascent with a thrilling victory in the Gr1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York after the Aidan O’Brien-trained runner had already won the Gr2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Gr1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp in July.
Japan’s latest Gr1 triumph came at the expense of the world’s highest rated horse Crystal Ocean (Sea The Stars) and Elarqam (Frankel) – all UK-bred.
Joining battle with favourite Crystal Ocean with two furlongs to run, Japan was equal to the task with a hard-fought head win.
Also placed in the Gr1 Epsom Derby, the 1.6 million guineas Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate has an obviously bright future at stud, underpinned by being out of one of the most in-demand broodmares in the world, the Newsells Park-owned Shastye whose progeny are commanding telephone figures through the ring.
O’Brien, who also saddled the winner’s 3.4 million guineas full-brother Mogul for a debut second a week ago, said of Japan’s future prospects for the season: “The race we were thinking of after this was the Irish Champion Stakes. The Arc and the Breeders’ Cup are also possibilities.”
Japan’s victory in the 2000m race gives O’Brien a record-equalling sixth International Stakes win and in an interview with ITV Racing, jockey Ryan Moore added: “Crystal Ocean is a very good horse and it was a very hard battle.Japan has not put a foot wrong his whole life and will just continue to get better.”
Japan is a bay son of Galileo (IRE) out of the Danehill mare Shastye (IRE).
