Although both races have potential implications for the U.S. scene, their more immediate impact might well come on Dubai World Cup night, March 28.

Jockey Rachel King had a banner day at Tokyo on Sunday, winning both stakes with U.S. racing implications.

With last year’s champion, Lemon Pop, leading the Japanese charge on the Saudi Cup (G1), Sunday’s February (G1) at Tokyo had a more open look. Even so, few could have foreseen the magnitude of the upset in store.

Godolphin’s Lemon Pop confirmed himself as a rising dirt star in Sunday’s February (G1) at Tokyo, while Grade 1 turfiste Shirl’s Speight couldn’t lift on the surface and wound up ninth.

Last seen finishing second to champion Modern Games in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) on turf, Shirl’s Speight makes a bold attempt on the Tokyo dirt in Sunday’s February S. (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

For the second straight year, Cafe Pharoah found Sunday’s $2.2 million February S. (G1) a sweet rebound spot after disappointing in the Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.