Japan Cup 2024 - Form Comments Grade 1 | 2400m | Turf
Tokyo Racecourse | Sunday, November 24

1. Goliath
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard (pictured)
This gelding, victorious in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m), was ineligible for the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m) due to being a gelding, making the Japan Cup his primary target. A strong contender based on form.

2. Blow The Horn
A consistent performer with seven wins from 22 starts. In 2024, he maintained form with only one finish outside the top three. His G1 breakthrough came with a powerful late charge in the Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June.

3. Do Deuce
This seasoned performer beat Equinox to win the Japanese Derby in 2022 but struggled for form until clinching the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) in December 2023. After a slow start this season, his explosive finish in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) signals a return to his best.

4. Justin Palace
Winner of the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in 2023. He placed fourth in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) but disappointed with a 10th-place finish in the Takarazuka Kinen (2200m). Showed improvement when fourth in the Tenno Sho Autumn.

5. Struve
After securing three consecutive wins, including the G2 Meguro Kinen (2500m), Struve failed to fire in the Takarazuka Kinen. Trainer Noriyuki Hori remains confident in his preparation for this event.

6. Danon Beluga
Winless for over two years, he showed promise with a third-place finish in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) in March but has struggled since, including an uncompetitive effort in the Tenno Sho Autumn.

7. Shin Emperor
Purchased for €2.1 million at the 2022 Arqana Yearling Sale, this 3-year-old is a full sibling to 2020 Arc winner Sottsass. He placed third in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes but failed to deliver in the Arc.

8. Auguste Rodin
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
The son of Deep Impact will retire after this race. A multiple G1 winner across seasons, including the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, he was runner-up in the Irish Champion Stakes last time.

9. Cervinia
This 3-year-old filly boasts four wins from six starts, including two Japanese Fillies’ Classics. Her dominant G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) victory in October signals she’s in top form.

10. Durezza
A winner of five consecutive races, including the G1 Kikuka Sho (3000m) in 2023. He ran bravely to finish fifth behind City of Troy in the G1 International Stakes (2051m) at York in August.

11. Karate
At eight years old, Karate has not won since the G3 Niigata Daishoten (2000m) in May 2023. His performances this season have been lackluster.

12. Sol Oriens
Runner-up in the Japanese Triple Crown in 2023, Sol Oriens appeared back to form with a second-place finish in the Takarazuka Kinen but disappointed with a seventh-place finish in the Tenno Sho Autumn.

13. Fantastic Moon
Last year’s Deutsches Derby winner, he was runner-up in the G1 Grosser Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennen (2000m) before claiming victory in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m).

14. Stars On Earth
This 5-year-old mare is remarkably consistent, with top-three finishes in 12 of 13 starts. Her only blip came with an eighth-place finish in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) in March.

The Japan Cup promises an electrifying contest with a mix of international raiders and top Japanese talent.