Shahryar, who won the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) in 2021, is the latest big-name addition to a potentially formidable Japanese contingent heading to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on November 3-4.
According to sources in Japan, the globe-trotting five-year-old is set to return to action on the G2 Sapporo Kinen over 2,000 metres (1m2f) on August 20 before heading to the US for a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
A son of the legendary Deep Impact, Shahryar won the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March 2022 under Cristian Demuro before finishing second in the Japan Cup. On his most recent outing, he was fifth in this year’s Sheema Classic behind world #1 Equinox.
Although the latter’s connections have yet to rule out the Breeders’ Cup, it is expected they will stay at home for a Japan Cup campaign.
Japanese horses left their mark at the Breeders’ Cup in no uncertain terms with a double at Del Mar two years ago courtesy of Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine, both of whom represented pioneering international trainer Yoshito Yahagi.
A series of setbacks at home meant Japan was a non-factor in 2022 at Keeneland. However, the west coast offers a more attractive option for Japanese trainers and among those set to make the trip to California alongside Shahryar are Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro and Kentucky Derby sixth Derma Sotogake, both of whom are set for the $6m Classic after a prep race at Funabashi in September.
Dual Yasuda Kinen heroine Songline has a choice of the Mile or the Filly & Mare Turf.
In other news from Japan, leading stayer Silver Sonic, winner of the valuable Red Sea Turf Handicap on the Saudi Cup card, is being lined up for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup.
• Visit the Netkeiba website and the Japan Racing Association website
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