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European Challengers Warm Up for Japan Cup

| 10:38 am

Updated: November 20, 2024 at 10:52 am

File photo dated 19-06-2024 of Auguste Rodin, who heads 11 confirmations for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes. Issue date: Monday July 22, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story RACING Ascot George. Photo credit should read David Davies/PA Wire.

Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) took to the grass at Tokyo racecourse on Wednesday ahead of the last race of his career in the Japan Cup on Sunday. His trainer Aidan O'Brien has also arrived in Japan to oversee the final stages of his preparation.

“He did a lovely seven furlongs on the grass this morning, just to show him the track, and he looked comfortable,” said O'Brien.

“He's a horse that has speed and class, has long strides and a big action and is great at the mile-and-a-half distance, so I think the course here at Tokyo and the Japan Cup will suit him.”

The six-time Group 1 winner will face 13 challengers in the Japan Cup, including one each from France and Germany in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who is now owned by John Stewart of Resolute Racing in partnership with the horse's breeder Philip von Ullmann, and the Sarah Steinberg-trained dual Group 1 winner Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), owned by Liberty Racing. 

Goliath's trainer Francis Graffard was also in Japan to watch the four-year-old at exercise on Wednesday in partnership with Christophe Soumillon. He said, “The horse is in good form and we are very satisfied with how he ran on the turf course this morning.

“This year after winning the King George, we concentrated on preparing him for the Japan Cup. I think he's the best horse I've brought here so far and have been very much looking forward to coming to Japan.”

Soumillon added, “The horse looks stronger than he did back home. This morning, [stable-mate] Le Nomade led and they ran smoothly in a good pace.

“The turf condition is not bad and since he goes well on softer ground, I'm hoping that it stays the same up to Sunday.

“You need a good horse with speed and the stamina to sustain that speed to win the Japan Cup. We are here with Goliath because we have the confidence that he will perform well.”