“I hope he can overtake him now back in his homeland!”
There was plenty of chat and talk about the draw as the build-up for this year's Japan Cup continues to ramp up in Tokyo.
Despite Tokyo's vast straight and galloping nature, it seems that the majority see being drawn wide as a disadvantage, so you'd imagine the faces of Francis-Henri Graffard and connections of the sole European contender Calandagan would have beaming when it was announced that he would embark on his mission from stall eight.
Whilst Calandagan has fared well with his barrier draw, only Croix Du Nord of the main home contingent will break from a single-figure gate in two, with Masquerade Ball drawn in fifteen, while Danon Decile, Shin Emperor and Durezza are situated in fourteen, sixteen and seventeen respectively.
Stalls seventeen and eighteen are yet to produce a winner from 26 starts combined but there can be some optimism taken from those drawn in gates fourteen to sixteen. Surprisingly, stall fourteen has produced more winners than any other with six, while those in fifteen and sixteen have enjoyed three and two successes to date.
Mickael Barzalona will be hoping that he can provide stall eight with a third triumph in the race when he gets the leg over Calandagan on Sunday, but his weighing-room compatriot Alexis Pouchin will have to create history if he's to land Japan's most valued prize on Durezza.
Trained by Tomohito Ozeki in the colours of Carrot Farm Ltd, Durezza, who dead-heated for the runner-up spot with Shin Emperor in the race twelve months ago, will return to Tokyo on the back of a disappointing effort in the Kyoto Daishoten. However, despite his wide-berth and recent below par performance, trainer Tomohito Ozeki believes the 2023 Japanese St Leger hero has what it takes to put up a bold bid back in the Japanese capital.
"His last start was a bit disappointing, but we know the reason why he didn't run well as he didn't like the ground," he explained. "I have taken measured to improve his condition and I'm hoping he can display his best ability like last year.
"A good to firm track at Tokyo also suits him well but generally speaking outside draws are difficult. It will depend on if he can kick out of the gates well and then we will have to see, the 17th is also my birthday and the same draw he had when winning the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger). It could be a lucky number!"
On the booking of Alexis Pouchin, he added: "It is a decision from the owner. It is very difficult to ask a top jockey to ride my horse as it's so competitive but out of the jockeys we could ask, I felt Alexis was the best available."
Durezza will meet Calandagan for the third time when the pair line up in the Japan Cup on Sunday, with the score currently standing at a resounding 2-0 to the French-trained contender following his second-place finishes in the Juddmonte International and Dubai Sheema Classic.
It's easy to argue that Calandagan arrives in even stronger form following his trio of Group 1 successes across Europe and although optimistic of his horse's chance, Tomohito Ozeki is evidently wary of the threat that the world's best horse possesses.
"It is the third time Durezza will compete against Calandagan, and I hope he can overtake him now back in his homeland!
"He is the top-rated horse in the world, whereas in recent years the overseas horses have probably not been of the top elite level.
"He will be a threat to my horse and all the Japanese horse, especially as I think he will suit the track very well."
