RACING:AIDAN O'BRIEN attempts to break new Group One ground in the early hours of tomorrow morning when Ireland's champion trainer runs Joshua Tree in the €4.9 million Japan Cup in Tokyo, writes Brian O'Connor.
O’Brien has enjoyed top-flight success around the globe but Joshua Tree will secure him a first victory in Japan if successful in the world’s most valuable turf race.
Last month’s Canadian International winner is drawn 12 of the 18 runners, next to the Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa (11) and the Japanese Derby hero Eislin Flash (10.)
Christophe Soumillon is on the other main home hope Buena Vista but the Irish team are taking hope from Snow Fairy’s recent success in Japan.
Joshua Tree finished one place behind the dual-Oaks heroine in September’s St Leger at Doncaster.
“We all know how good Snow Fairy is and Joshua Tree probably didn’t stay the mile and six as his best trip is a mile and a half,” said O’Brien’s assistant, TJ Comerford yesterday.
“Finishing just behind Snow Fairy is very good indeed, especially the way she won the last day, so it puts us in with a good shout,” he added.
Colm O’Donoghue keeps the ride on Joshua Tree and he said yesterday: “It all depends on the pace of the race where I can place him but he is very versatile. He travels well too which is important.”
Tomorrow morning’s big race is due off a 6.20am Irish time.
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