The 165th Tenno Sho (Spring) was won in great style by Titleholder who led the whole way and finished 7 lengths ahead of favourite and last year's second Deep Bond. There was a length back to T O Royal whom we will keep in the little black book.

On Saturday at Tokyo the Aoba Sho went to the Deep Impact children Praderia and Lord des Ailes with Eternal Victory third.  Unfortunately for Damian Lane his ride L'Evangelei could only manage 5th, but Damian managed to win one of the two listed races on Sunday at Tokyo.

Could Titleholder come to the Melbourne Cup?  He has certainly performed in a way that ticks all the boxes for this – not afraid of leading and with a strong finishing run.  We shall see!