Aussie-owned, British-trained stayer Jakkalberry is gearing up for their latest international assignment with the stallion set to back up from their eye-catching third in the Melbourne Cup in this Sunday’s Japan Cup 2012 at Tokyo Racecourse.
Prepared by Marco Botti at Newmarket in England the Storming Home seven-year-old, winner of the American St. Leger Stakes back in August, travelled down under for the first time this spring for a two run campaign.
Their first effort was a disappointing 13th in the Caulfield Cup but they improved greatly when stepping up to the two miles of the world’s richest handicap on November 6, Jakkalberry overcoming barrier 19 to run a brave third to Green Moon in the $6.2 million Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
Now they will race in another six million dollar handicap with the Grade 1 Japan Cup (2400m) in their sights and Botti is confident they will be competitive again despite going back down to the mile and a half.
“We’re very pleased with his condition. According to the lads this morning, they have got to Tokyo and he seems well and fresh and ready to go again,” Botti told At The Races.
“It was obviously a good performance in the Melbourne Cup. He finished well and we were very pleased.
“It was a wonderful experience and a great atmosphere (in Australia).
“He’s a tough horse and we are looking forward to the Japan Cup on Sunday.
“The opposition is very tough and the Japanese horses are top-class.
“It’s going to be very competitive but coming back to a mile and a half I don’t think is going to be a problem and the ground will be fine.”
Jakkalberry was an $80 roughie in the Melbourne Cup markets when third but punters won’t find them at that sort of price again on Sunday.
In the 17-horse Japan Cup betting market Jakkalberry pays around $16 with odds led by Orfevre who was just nudged out of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory in France last start.
Should all go to plan Botti will send Jakkalberry home after Sunday’s showdown for a short rest before heading to Dubai in March for World Cup Night.
“He owes us nothing whatever he does,” Botti said.
“After this we want to give him a nice break and prepare him to campaign in Dubai.”
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