November 26, 2008 (Wednesday)
At Tokyo Racecourse
*Upon completion of quarantine procedures, four horses were transferred from Shiroi International Quarantine Center to the international stables of Tokyo Racecourse today. Comments taken from their connections upon arrival are as follows;
MARSH SIDE (USA, h5, dark bay or brown)
-Departed Shiroi International Quarantine Center at 10:32
-Arrived at Tokyo Racecourse at 12:20
"He's in good condition and everything is going as planned. He's put on a bit of weight since his last race and he's fit. Actually he was already fit before leaving for Japan, so we've given him a few days to settle down and relax. We've also had the climate difference - Tokyo being much colder than California- in mind when preparing him. His training here will depend on the trainer who will decide when he comes tomorrow."
(Comments taken from D. Oldham)
PAPAL BULL (GBR, h5, bay)
-Departed Shiroi International Quarantine Facilities at 11:13
-Arrived at Tokyo Racecourse at 12:57
"He's a much more matured horse mentally and physically this year. He's only lost a few pounds and he's in very good condtion. He's traveled twice abroad this year and is more experienced. The only reason why he didn't do well in last year's Japan Cup was that he broke slowly, but we're planning to take measures this time to avoid that, so we've got a lot more to look forward to. We're taking him out on the turf tomorrow, and the jockey will probably gallop him on Friday."
(Comments taken from G. Wier)
SIXTIES ICON (GBR, h5, bay)
-Departed Shiroi International Quarantine Facilities at 11:04
-Arrived at Tokyo Racecourse at 12:47
"The trip from the quarantine stables hasn't tired him at all. I'm happy to see that he's relaxed. Since the Tokyo course is very wide, I'm sure our horse has a very good chance to show his best. I understand that the track here tends to be firm, but Sixties Icon has many strong races on fast ground, so we're not worried about that. Tomorrow's exercise will just be a long and steady canter (and nothing strong)."
(Comments taken from D. Bradley)
PURPLE MOON (IRE, g5, bay)
-Departed Shiroi International Quarantine Facilities at 11:04
-Arrived at Tokyo Racecourse at 12:47
"He traveled well from the quarantine stables today. I don't think we'll be doing any strong work tomorrow, but it will depend on the trainer. I assume he'll have to check the ground first. He lost some weight coming into Japan, but he's put some of it back on."
(Comments taken from I. Willows)
Japan Cup (G1) : Nov. 30 (sun) Tokyo 10th race 2,400m turf
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