A further highlight of the Japan Cup weekend is the Super Jockeys Series which will take place on both the Saturday and the Sunday.
Eight star jockeys from all over the world come to this event to compete with the eight top locals.
This year’s Internationals include Mexican Luis Contreras representing Canada where he has been champion jockey on three recent occasions.
Pat Smullen represents Ireland where he is stable jockey for Dermot Weld and is well known to Australian audiences and to the Japanese as well, having ridden in the Japan Cup in 2002.
Richard Hughes has formed a legendary partnership first with his father-in-law Richard Hannon and now with his brother-in-law Richard Hannon Junior. They have a particularly good record with 2yos.
Ryan Moore needs no introduction with his most recent G1 being on Protectionist in the Melbourne Cup and of course he has in his CV that incredible ride on Gentledonna to win the Japan Cup last year.
Christophe Soumillon is Belgian-born but based in France where he has had success at every level. In France he has been known to bring a box of carrots and apples to Cirrus des Aigles after their races together. He has ridden frequently in Japan and of course partnered Orfevre in two Arcs.
Adrie de Vries is probably not so well known outside of Germany although he has also had stints riding in Qatar. He’s Dutch born but does most of his race riding in Germany where he is the retained rider for the Gestüt Schlenderhan.
James McDonald is representing Oceania and Zac Purton Hong Kong.
On Saturday the two designated races are Race 7, the Excellent Jockeys Trophy, over 1600m turf. Luis Contreras has drawn Gate 2 for his mount Purple Taiyo, an 8yo entire. Richard Hughes will guide Meiner Scelto, by Deep Impact from Gate 3 – he’s a 3yo colt with possibilities. Zac Purton could be the go here as he’s on Sudarbarns, by sire of the moment Heart’s Cry and they have gate 4. Ryan Moore comes from Gate 6 on Tamamo Top Play.
Race 11 is the Fantastic Jockeys over 1400m on turf. Contreras got Gate 2 again in this.
On Sunday the Marvelous Jockeys Trophy is over 1600m on the dirt and is Race 8, and the final race is the Prominent Jockeys over 2000m on the turf. It looks like the locals have the better rides on Sunday but we will update both days from the track.
