The baying arena which is Fuchu plays host to the Japan Cup in Tokyo tomorrow and Michael Kinane will be hoping to relive last year's high. Kinane scored a narrow win on Pilsudski then and will be trying to repeat that feat on on Clive Brittain's globetrotter Luso.

Six overseas runners contest the £1.73 million race, including Godolphin's Faithful Son. Having failed to stay the two miles in the Melbourne Cup, Faithful Son reverts to a more suitable mile and a half and he must have a big chance.

For Frankie Dettori it will also be a chance to restore his international reputation, which took a battering in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Swain.

Faithful Son could be the best of the European challengers according to groom Bradley Marzato. "The colt is very laid back and I think that he is the best of the Europeans when on song. I also hope that the ground stays firm," he said.

The overseas challenge is bolstered by the German pair, Caitano (fourth last year) and Ungaro, and the North Americans, Chief Bearhart and Maxzene.

Japanese horses have won the event five times and their main hopes rest with 1997 second Air Groove, Special Week and Stay Gold.

Special Week, tackling his elders for the first time, was an impressive winner of the Japanese Derby. There is also a whisper for Stay Gold was second in three grade one races, including the Autumn version of the Emperor's Cup.

The plush Tokyo track, which occupies a 200-acre site, attracts crowds which European racecourses can only dream about. Last year's attendance on Japan Cup day was almost 152,000. Former footballer, Mick Channon, due to saddle Muchea in the £200,000 Fuji Stakes, will get a first taste of this rarified atmosphere today.