HELISSIO, having swept the board in the Arc de Triomphe and the Cartier Awards, bids to cap a magnificent season in the Japan Cup, which will be run in Tokyo in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
The French star has tasted defeat just once in a glittering career and is a worthy favourite to take the prestigious Japanese prize over a mile and a half. The colt worked well yesterday morning. "I was very happy," said Olivier Peslier. "The horse wanted to go, so I just let him go as he pleased. The track suited him well."
Trainer Elie Lellouche added: "He might be better than when he was in the Arc. As for his draw (nine) - let's just say his yellow cap will suit his yellow silks. I hope it will bring luck."
The European challenge is a strong one and includes the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner, Pent ire, plus the respective winners of the Canadian International and an Irish St Leger, Singspiel and Strategic Choice.
Australian challenger Saintly, the Melbourne Cup hero, although he is not supposed to have travelled too well, also enters calculations.
The American challengers, Flag Down and Awad, are potential surprise packages, but invariably Japanese performers of the calibre of Fabulous La Fouine, Bubble Gum Fellow and Dance Partner may inspire more fear.
The Group One winning Fabulous La Fouine has been beaten just once in a five race career, whereas Bubble Gum Fellow's five wins from seven runs include the prestigious Emperor's Cup.
Dance Partner is coming from a victory in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto. The home team have won three of the last four runnings.