Epiphaneia partnered with Christophe Soumillon exerted an explosive late charge in the last two furlongs for a four-length victory against a strong field that included 12 G1 horses to register her second G1 and fourth graded victory.

Out of Cesario (JPN, by Special Week) who won the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and American Oaks in 2005, Epiphaneia was runner-up in the first two legs of the Triple Crown last year then captured the last leg Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) in the fall.

Third in his kick-off start this year in the Sankei Osaka Hai (G2, 2,000m), the colt was unable to demonstrate his best performance in his first overseas challenge, finishing fourth in Hong Kong’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, 2,000m), and was sixth in his comeback race, the Tenno Sho (Autumn) (G1, 2,000m)at the beginning of this month.

This victory marked trainer Katsuhiko Sumii’s 21st JRA G1 title, following his win in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup with Lachesis (JPN, by Deep Impact) two weeks ago, and his second Japan Cup victory following his win in 2009 with Vodka (JPN, by Tanino Gimlet). Jockey Christophe Soumillon, who was visiting Japan to participate in the World Super Jockeys Series, registered his second JRA G1 title following his victory in the Tenno Sho (Autumn) with Buena Vista (JPN, by Special Week) in 2010.

Fourth pick Epiphaneia broke smoothly and hugged the rails in second or third behind Satono Shuren, who rushed out from the outer draw to set the pace, while the field extended into a long line along the back stretch. The son of Symboli Kris S, maintained good striking position entering the homestretch and immediately made bid, nailing the front 500 meters out, then produced remarkable speed for an overwhelming victory.

Third favorite Just a Way waited in mid-division by the rail, then angled out for a clear path at the top of the stretch and displayed a strong late charge along the outer route but was only able to close the gap to four lengths.

Tenno Sho (Autumn) champion and sixth choice Spielberg settled third from last and displayed an impressive burst of speed—the fastest of the field in the last three furlongs—after threading through the horses at the top of the homestretch, overtaking rivals including Gentildonna 50 meters out for third, 1/2 length behind Just a Way.

Settling in midfield, around eleventh from the front, twelfth choice Ivanhowe from Germany took the inner route entering the lane and ran willingly until the end for sixth place.

Owner George Baron von Ullmann commented on the race, “He was off slow but he usually takes his time to find his pace. The outcome might have been different if it was a softer ground—he could have finished third or fourth. I don’t know if our Japanese fans will allow it, but I’m quite happy with him finishing sixth. After he returns, finishes the long quarantine and is back in his own stables, I will think about his next season. Everything is undecided at this point”.

Trainer Jean-Pierre Carvalho said, “I had known the Japanese horses were hard to beat, but Ivanhowe turned in a good result considering. He concentrated well and ran as he always does but, the race was tougher than we’d imagined. I shouldn’t be satisfied with a sixth-place finish but among a strong field like this…I am pleased”.

Jockey Filip Minarik also commented, “It was a great race and I’m thrilled. The ground near the rails was very rough but that’s the same in any country. I’m just happy that we were able to be sixth. The horse was appalled at the huge crowd at the starting gate. It was as if we were at a German Bundesliga football game because there were so many people and everyone was shouting”.

Up With the Birds from Canada settled second from last after a slow break, and although showing effort coming into the homestretch, was far too back to make bid.

Trainer Malcolm Pierce remarked, “He was tense with all the noise from the crowd, but I honestly can’t say what the cause was for his defeat”. Jockey Eurico Da Silva also said,” He was a bit too keen today. He missed his break and wasn’t able to perform well. I think the surface suits him but the Japanese horses were very strong”.

Trading Leather, breaking well from the outermost draw, traveled around seventh position, three-wide outside Gentildonna and Tosen Jordan but stopped racing after sustaining a comminuted fracture turning the third corner and was euthanized.

Race favorite Gentildonna, reserved in sixth position, found clear path towards the inside but was unable to display her best to achieve her third consecutive win in the Japan Cup.

Other Horses:

5th: (6) Harp Star—settled back in mid-division, angled out and quickened wide on stretch

7th: (10) One and Only—raced toward rear, turned wide and showed effort

8th: (16) Fenomeno—struggled to position well, 5th from rear, weaved through horses, unable to reach contention

9th: (9) Isla Bonita—sat in mid-pack next to runner-up, improved position before last turn, failed to threaten

10th:(12) Tamamo Best Play—ran 2nd and in front of winner, inherited lead at last turn, gave way at 400m pole

11th: (8) Denim and Ruby—sat in far rear, 3rd from last at final turn, fanned out to avoid horses, showed little

12th: (5) Hit the Target—hugged rails 4th from rear, failed to respond in stretch

13th: (17) Uncoiled—made up ground up to 2nd turn to sit in 4th, 2nd to hit top of lane, gradually ran out of steam

14th: (11) Tosen Jordan—5th to 6th from front, in prominent position up to last turn, tired and gave way

15th: (13) Decipher—took wide trip in latter-half of field, 2nd to last to round last turn, never fired