Gentildonna tries to get back on track in Tenno Sho Autumn

Sunday's Grade 1 Tenno Sho Autumn at Tokyo Racecourse

provides an intriguing clash of two previous winners, as well as the return of reigning Horse

of the Year Gentildonna.

The imposing four-year-old filly last year

swept Japan's Triple Tiara and capped off a spectacular season with a thrilling victory over the

previous year's Triple Crown hero Orfevre in the Japan Cup. A planned bid for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

was shelved when she failed to find the winner's circle in two outings earlier

this year, finishing second in the Dubai Sheema Classic March 30 and third in the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin when last seen June 23, but trainer Sei

Ishizaka indicated confidence that his charge will return to her

best.

"She's shaping up nicely," he said. "It will have been a while,

but we feel like she's getting there, step by step. She's just taking

it slowly but surely and will be fine as long as she gets to the race

in one piece."

Defending race winner Eishin Flash finished well behind Gentildonna in ninth in the Japan Cup, but she could well have her

hands full with him this time as he bids to become the first back-to-back winner since Symboli

Kris S in 2002-03. A respectable third in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin

April 28, the six-year-old returned from a four-month rest to annex the Mainichi Okan here

October 6, and will have race fitness on his side.

Danon Ballade is

searching for his first win at the highest level, but he holds strong credentials with recent

narrow loses in the Takarazuka Kinen and the September 22 Sankei Sho All Comers, and

trainer Yasutoshi Ikee indicated his charge is primed for a top effort.

"I really think he's

completely come into his own," Ikee said. "We're hoping the going gets tough in the Tenno Sho. And if

that (happens), since the Takarazuka Kinen winner (Gold Ship) won't be around, Danon Ballade should win hands down -- or at least that's we're hoping how it turns out," Ikee said.

Ikee will also saddle Tosen Jordan, who captured this race

two years ago but has yet to win since. Ikee admitted his charge is not what he used to be.

"He's not like he was two years ago," Ikee said. "He's gotten slower with age, and it might

take a bit more time to get him up to speed."

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