Trading Leather © Photo Healy Racing
Trading Leather is pleasing connections as he gears up for Sunday's Japan Cup at Tokyo racecourse.
The Jim Bolger-trained colt, who is owned by Godolphin, won last year's Irish Derby but has failed to strike gold in four starts this term, although he did finish second in the Eclipse and third in the Irish Champion Stakes.
He enjoyed a spin around the dirt track under Pat O'Donovan, who was more than satisfied with the son of Teofilo.
"He just stretched his legs this morning and he did a right-handed jog just to let him see his new environment. He's in good form and he's moving well. He's travelled very well also. It's not too cold and not too warm and the climate is perfect," he told www.japanracing.jp.
"He was trained specifically for this race. He's had a light season and since his last start in September, he regularly did some fast work once a week. He's had his fast work done and he was very fit coming here, so all we want to do is maintain his fitness.
"The track here is a good galloping track which he likes. With a slight climb as well, it's probably similar to Leopardstown, even though it's bigger - we have no concerns about the track and he needs quick ground."
