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. Recent statistic shows outside draw is not favourable at this course, as SUAVE RICHARD, who jumped from gate 11 and finished third in 2018, is the only example which jumped from double digit draw and finished within first three in the last five running of Japan Cup. 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 was conducted on good to firm turf. CONTRAIL, 4YO colt by DEEP IMPACT, was supported as hot favourite. SHAHRYAR, 3YO colt by DEEP IMPACT, was supported as 2nd favourite. There was no typical front runner and ARISTOTELES led the 18 runners field, clocking 49.6 seconds at 800m, 62.2 second at 1000m, and 74.5 second at 1200m. In such slowly-run race, SHAHRYAR with Yuga Kawada on saddle tracked leaders from fifth position, while CONTRAIL with Yuichi Fukunaga on saddle was settled at eighth position. As Fukunaga asked CONTRAIL to make a move at top of homestretch, CONTRAIL responded well and delivered the strongest challenge. CONTRAIL, who covered final 600m for 33.7 seconds, the fastest in 18 runners, hit the front at 150m out and drew clear to win by two lengths. AUTHORITY, specialist of Tokyo Racecourse, where he had won three Graded Stakes from four starts, finished second, and SHAHRYAR finished third.

Autumn meeting at Tokyo started on 8th October and the Japan Cup day is the 17th meeting there. While turf track is still keeping good cushion, surface on rail side is rough in places. Shower is forecasted on Saturday (26th November) at the area of Tokyo Racecourse. Therefore, turf track may contain juice and have to pay close attention on the update of track condition on the day of Japan Cup.

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