Expert - Naohiro Goda

Naohiro is a leading journalist and commentator in Japan with regular television shows on networks such as NHK Network and Green Channel. He is a regular contributor for newspapers, magazines and websites including Sports Nippon, Weekly Gallop, and netkeiba.com. He also operates a bloodstock business marketing firm. Naohiro is a frequent international racing traveler and a regular visitor to the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

Tokyo Racecourse – Track Analysis (Japan Cup):

Tokyo Racecourse is an anti-clockwise oval track with two chutes that rejoin the main course for 1800m and 2000m races respectively. One of the renowned feature for Tokyo Racecourse is its extended homestretch over 525.9m, which is the second longest in JRA's tracks, only after outer track at Niigata. In addition, the homestretch is going uphill and the final 300m is the highest point, front runners usually find it difficult to make all if they are fail to run away from the field early in the straight. Overall, Tokyo Racecourse is recognized as a fair and straightforward track, where true ability of runners reflects to the result genuinely.            

Same as the prestigious G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), the 2400m G1 Japan Cup is also conducted on the turf course at Tokyo. Starting gate is set at 317m before the finishing line on the homestretch and the distance from the starting gate to the beginning of the near turn is 350m. Runners have plenty of time to seek for their favourable position. Statistics prove that there is no draw bias at this course. There is a sharp rise in the middle of the backstretch with difference in height of 1.5m which comes suddenly after the 600m downslope beginning at the early part of the near turn. Meanwhile, there is a 160m long sharp rise begins from the top of the homestretch, although the final 300m is flat. In all, Tokyo is a fair track, where true ability of runners reflects on the result straightforwardly. However, front runners find it difficult to make all and it is a tough task to both the runners' speed and stamina, especially for the reason that they are required to climb uphill for two times over 2400m. Those with sharp acceleration at the final part of race generally get the upper hand.

Last year's Japan Cup contested on firm turf. ALMOND EYE, Japan's super mare achieved the most G1 titles on turf, 2020 unbeaten Triple Crown and Triple Tiara winner CONTRAIL and DARING TACT, met here. ALMOND EYE was supported as the favourite, CONTRAIL was the second, and DARING TACT was the third favourite. While strong pace was set by KISEKI, who clocked 57.9 seconds at 1000m, ALMOND EYE was settled at fifth position, being more than 15 lengths behind KISEKI, DARING TACT was at seventh position, and CONTRAIL was at ninth position in 15 runners' field. ALMOND EYE, with Christophe Lemaire on saddle, started to make move at 400m out and delivered the strongest challenge, hit the front at 150m out. Although CONTRAIL, who covered the final 600m for 34.3 seconds, the quickest in 15 runners, made up so much ground, ALMOND EYE held him off for one and a quarter length, and successfully collected her ninth G1 title. DARING TACT who also delivered good turn of foot on the homestretch, finished third, and KISEKI, who tired at the closing stage of the race, finished eighth.

While autumn meeting at Tokyo started on 9th October and Japan Cup day is the 16th day of the autumn meeting, the turf course is still keeping in good condition with proper cushion. After racing on the previous weekend, when it was conducted on firm ground, there was overnight rain on Sunday evening. Monday was wet whole day and the turf surface at Tokyo Racecourse is softened. However, dry weather is forecasted from Tuesday to Sunday, and the turf track at Tokyo Racecourse on Japan Cup day should be firm going.  

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