Jakkalberry ready for Japan Cup

Rider of Jakkalberry, Colm O'Donoghue
(Healy Racing Photos)

The six-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign since joining the Newmarket-based Italian at the start of this year, running well in the Dubai Sheema Classic and winning the American St Leger before his superb run in defeat Down Under earlier this month.

He comes back to a mile and a half from two miles in the Far East, but his trainer is not too worried about the distance.

"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.

"He owes us nothing whatever he does. After this we want to give him a nice break and prepare him to campaign in Dubai."