RACING:It is seven years since an overseas raider has landed the Japan Cup but Irish jockey Colm O'Donoghue on board Jakkalberry will join the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Arc heroine Solemia among a five-pronged international team in trying to bridge that gap in Tokyo tomorrow morning.
Despite Solemia having got the better of the Japanese superstar Orfevre in last month’s Arc, she still faces an uphill task against her old rival who is a strong favourite despite a wide outside draw.
Orfevre looked to throw a historic Arc success away in the closing stages by ducking right onto the rail at Longchamp and he is expected to tough to beat on his home turf in the 32nd renewal of Japan’s most prestigious race.
Solemia’s rider Oliver Peslier is seeking a third win in the race but O’Donoghue will bid to become just the third Irish jockey to win the big race on board the Melbourne Cup third Jakkalberry.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on him,” O’Donoghue said of Jakkalberry who will be going down in trip to a mile and a half from the Melbourne Cup’s two miles.”
The British pair of Red Cadeaux and Mount Athos also made the trip from Australia with Jakkalberry while another British hope is Sri Putra. Mount Athos’ trainer Luca Cumani saddled the last international winner, Alkaased in 2005.
