The Aga Khan Studs’ homebred Calandagan outdueled favored Masquerade Ball, becoming the first international shipper to prevail in 20 years.

European superstar Calandagan takes on a home team including the past three Japanese Derby (G1) winners in the Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo late Saturday night.

Fourth in last year’s Japan Cup (G1) to world champion Equinox, favored Do Deuce spearheaded a clean sweep for the home team in Sunday’s renewal at Tokyo.

If Auguste Rodin can put an exclamation point on his glittering career in Sunday’s Japan Cup (G1), the Aidan O’Brien trainee would furnish two major storylines.

Carrot Farm’s Vela Azul completed his transformation from ordinary dirt horse to turf star in Sunday’s Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo.

Third to the retiring Contrail as a sophomore in the 2021 Japan Cup (G1), Shahryar now finds himself the captain of the home team in Sunday’s edition at Tokyo.

Japanese star Contrail had one last chance to bolster his legacy in Sunday’s $6.1 million Japan Cup (G1), and the 3-5 favorite seized it to conclude his racing career in a blaze of glory.

Fresh off a ground-breaking Breeders’ Cup double with Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine, trainer Yoshito Yahagi hopes to fill another lacuna on his resume in Sunday’s $6.1 million Japan Cup (G1).

With Almond Eye skipping her title defense in favor of the December 8 Hong Kong International Races, the Japan Cup (G1) throne is up for grabs at Tokyo on Sunday.