There are two interesting races on Saturday before we head to the big one on Sunday.

At Tokyo there's the Artemis Stakes G3 over 1600m for the 2yo fillies with 11 to run which is a small field in Japan.  We know nothing about these babies but the market has Voller Blute on top – she is one of four by Epiphanea and will be ridden by Lemaire, with Belle Cresta, bu Duramente, only a pip behind on 2.6.  Another Epiphanea is Mint on 9.6.

At Hanshin the Swan Stakes is over 1400m and the only 3yo in the field, Rook's Nest by Maurice is on 4.5 on what is quite an open race.  Danon Fantasy is on 4.6, Ho O Amazon 5.6 and Kurino Gaudi 7.1 could also make the frame.

Sunday sees the running of the 164th running of the Tenno Sho.  There's the Spring version which is over 3000m and this time it's the Autumn one over 2000m.  Many consider this the best race in Japan and it certainly has a star-studded cast led by former Triple Crown winner Contrail who is on 2.7 at present.  May well start shorter as he's won 7 of his 9 starts to date.

Gran Alegria is looking for her 6th G1.  She had a throat op over summer and is now back in top form.  She's on 3.2 and Lemaire rides.

Efforia is the 3yo in the race and so far this year he has won the Satsuki Sho (2000 Guineas) and was second by a nose in the Derby.  He's on 3.7.

Curren Bouquet d'Or hasn't raced for a while but she is one tough cookie and the trip will not be a problem and she could be value either e/w or in the multiples on 13.4.

There are several other promising runners but we feel that it is best to stick to the top horses in top races.