Our first look at Iresine

As the only. Overseas runner left in the the Japan Cup field the visiting media were keen to see the French horse up close.  Iresine  had only done some light work on the dirt track on Wednesday and today did a short gallop around the dirt track in the company of a travelling stablemate.

We found out at the press conference that not only had the horse undergone a procedure tiring 36 hour journey but he had a slight problem with a leg muscle requiring some help from the Vet.  However trainer Jean-Pierre Gauvin reported that the horse was now back to the same condition in which he had left Chantilly.

In response to questions M. Galvin  said the 2400m trip was Iresine's best distance and that he was aware that the pace will be fast. He added  that now as a 6yo the horse was mentally  very strong. He did however have some reservations about the going as Iresine's best runs had been on soft to very soft ground.

He said jockey Marie Velon knows the horse very well and the plan would be to settle him midfield and get then unleash his strong finishing burst in the straight.

Marie Velon will be the first female jockey to ride in the Japan Cup and may now  be joined by Hollie

Doyle who will replace Ryan Moore who has been suspended on Vela Azul.