Foreign hopes seek International glory
The pair form part of a small but select field of seven that will go to post for the £460,000 Group One showpiece.
Lightly-raced Electrocutionist has been based at Luca Cumani’s Newmarket yard and made the journey to York after completing his preparation for the 10-furlong event,
The five-year-old cantered before leaving for Yorkshire and trainer Valfredo Valiani could not be happier.
“He is very well and left Newmarket for York today. He did a steady ordinary canter on Saturday and another one this morning,” he said.
The Pisa-based handler revealed he will leave the big-race tactics to his rider Mick Kinane.
“I understand that New Morning may go for the lead early with the Japanese horse close up,” Valiani went on.
“We may just sit in behind and wait, although I will leave Mick Kinane free to do what he feels to be right. He’s a much better jockey than me. He knows how to ride York and he has partnered our horse at work.”
Zenno Rob Roy, trained by Kazuo Fujisawa, bids to become only the second Japanese winner of a British Group One after 2000 July Cup winner Agnes World.
The five-year-old has only had the one run this season when third in a Grade One event in Hanshin, but the eyes of his nation will be transfixed on his every move.
“It would be very good for Japanese racing if he were to win tomorrow - there’s plenty of interest surrounding him,” said Nobutaka Tada, who is representing the horse’s connections.
“He is very well and had his last workout at Newmarket on Saturday. There is no doubting his condition.”
Zenno Rob Roy may have one more race in Europe before returning home in a bid to capture the Japan Cup for the second year running.
“We have the option of the Irish Champion Stakes before taking him home, but that all depends on tomorrow’s race.” added Tada.
Kerrin McEvoy will partner Godolphin’s Doyen, but the Australian jockey is fearful of the international challenge.
“I think the two overseas horses are going to be mighty hard to beat,” he said.
Norse Dancer ran Sulamani to three-quarters of a length 12 months ago and will to try and go one better as he bids to end his Group One hoodoo.
Maraahel scored over the distance on his seasonal bow at Chester and has only raced once since, finishing runner-up to Bandari in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting.
Doyen was back in fifth that day, one place behind subsequent Arlington Million winner Powerscourt, whose trainer Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Prince Of Wales’s runner-up and King George fifth Ace. Brigadier Gerard winner New Morning completes the field.
Juddmonte International betting:
Ladbrokes: 10-3 Electrocutionist, Zenno Rob Roy, 3-1 Ace, 9-2 Norse Dancer, 11-2 Maraahel, 14-1 Doyen, 33-1 New Morning.
Cashmans: 3 Electrocutionist, Zenno Rob Roy, 4 Maraahel, 9/2 Ace, 6 Norse Dancer, 12 Doyen, 20 New Morning.
