Calandagan bids to end 20-year European drought in Japan Cup

Ever since British shipper Alkaased won the 2005 Japan Cup (G1) by a flared nostril, the home team has successfully repelled the internationals at Tokyo. That 20-year streak could be imperiled in this year’s renewal, as European superstar Calandagan brings formidable credentials into the about 1 1/2-mile prize. 

Post time for the Japan Cup, the grand finale of the 12-race card, is 1:40 a.m. ET late Saturday night into Sunday morning. You can watch and wager on the Tokyo action at Twinspires.com.

Recently crowned the Cartier Horse of the Year, Calandagan is officially rated as the world’s top horse. The Aga Khan homebred had endured seconditis before turning the corner in the June 29 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1), and he’s subsequently plundered Ascot’s prime intergenerational clashes – the July 26 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth (G1) and the Oct. 18 Champion (G1). Calandagan, who will get his optimal conditions here, is well drawn in post 8 with regular pilot Mickael Barzalona.

Leading Japanese contenders include the past three winners of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (G1) over this course and distance, all aiming to rebound from losses. 

Reigning Derby champion Croix du Nord hopes to turn the page on his flop in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1). Last year’s Derby hero Danon Decile, who beat Calandagan in Dubai, comes off a disappointment in the Juddmonte International (G1). Tastiera, the 2023 Derby victor, was only eighth in the traditional stepping stone, the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1). But they all had valid excuses, suggesting that better circumstances will contribute to better results.

Croix du Nord’s form was boosted by the Tenno Sho Autumn, where Masquerade Ball, the Derby runner-up, returned to defeat older horses. Also exiting that traditional stepping stone are third-placer Justin Palace and also-rans Seiun Hades, Brede Weg, Cosmo Kuranda, and Ho O Biscuits. 

Shin Emperor and Durezza, who dead-heated for runner-up honors in the 2024 Japan Cup, are both trying to regain top form. The Yoshito Yahagi-trained Shin Emperor was last seen finishing a lackluster sixth in the Irish Champion (G1) at Leopardstown, and respiratory issues ruled him out of his planned tilt at the Arc. Durezza was a ring-rusty eighth in his prep, the Oct. 5 Kyoto Daishoten (G2), that he badly needed fitness-wise.

The Kyoto Daishoten marked the first graded victory for seven-year-old veteran Deep Monster, who faces a stiffer task here. The respective second and fourth at Kyoto, Sunrise Earth, and Admire Terra, renew rivalry with him on the big stage. 

Rounding out the 18-horse field are Yoho Lake, most recently third in the Sankei Sho All Comers (G2) to next-out Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) heroine Regaliera; Struve, who wheels back from a fifth in the Copa Republica Argentina (G2); and Danon Beluga, who has struggled to perform up to his former class level.