Japan in Droves
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is an adage best applicable to Japan’s approach to the $6 million Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World (G1). After winning the last two editions with Real Steel (2016) and Vivlos (2017), they are likely to be represented by each of those top-class runners, as well as others, including lesser-known Crocosmia, whose trainer Katsuichi Nishiura announced this week that the 1800m specialist will aim after the world’s most lucrative event at said distance. Crocosmia exits an eighth in the same 2200m Kyoto Kinen in which Rey de Oro was third and shortens back to her best trip.
Those from the land of the rising sun appear to be taking advantage of rising opportunities, as two of the expected favourites for the Dubai Turf, Hong Kong’s Time Warp and America’s World Approval, have recently decided to take the conservative road and not come after preparatory victories in their respective countries. Neorealism has thrown his hat into the ring, while Deirdre looks to do the same. Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1)-winning Neorealism owns a victory over this trip when impressively taking last year’s Nakayama Kinen (G2). Deirdre is still on the improve and was victorious in last year’s 2000m Shuko Sho (G1), the final leg of the Japanese Fillies’ Triple Crown.
Press Release // Dubai Racing Club