Powerscourt seeks Japan Cup glory
Warrsan is due to be ridden by Kieren Fallon in the November 28 event as the six-year-old bids to follow up on wins in the Coronation Cup and the Grosser Preis Von Baden.
Andrew Balding’s Phoenix Reach, winner of last year’s Canadian International, will try to put a disappointing season behind him as he also lines up in the race, which carries total prize money of over £2million.
Powerscourt continues his globetrotting adventures in the Far East following a decent third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Lone Star Park last month.
Powerscourt and Phoenix Reach, the mounts of Jamie Spencer and Martin Dwyer respectively, were due to jet into Japan yesterday, while Warrsan has been in the country since Monday.
French interests will be represented in the 12-furlong race by Richard Gibson’s Premio Lydia Tesio winner Lune D’Or and Elie Lellouche’s three-time Group Two winner Policy Maker. Thierry Jarnet and Stephane Pasquier ride.
Fallon and Brittain will also team up with Membership, who tackles the one-mile Capital Stakes.
The former champion also rides Gay Kelleway’s Vortex, who bids for the Japan Cup Dirt over an extended mile and a quarter after winning a couple of Listed events in Sweden this season.
American raider Fleetstreet Dancer landed the race 12 months ago and Laura de Seroux’s Total Impact will represent US interests this time.
German trainer Mario Hofer runs Berlin Group Three winner Omikron.
Meanwhile, Howard Johnson added another high-profile horse to his County Durham-based string yesterday when leaving the Doncaster November Sales with Vodafone Derby fourth Percussionist.
The son of Sadler’s Wells had been expected to top a quiet week at the sale, and the three-year-old did not disappoint, with auctioneer Henry Beeby bringing the hammer down at 340,000gns.
Formerly owned by the Sangster family, Percussionist will race in the colours of Graham Wylie, who already owns Inglis Drever and Royal Rosa.
