2009 JAPAN CUP BETTING TIPS

It’s a very interesting race set to kick off here in Tokyo early Sunday morning. One of the top runners in the world this season, the mighty Conduit, lines up against an impressive field of runners in what will be the last race of his sparkling career.

The 4 year-old chocolate-coloured Irish colt is fresh off a victory in the Breeders Cup Turf at Santa Anita and is another one of the talented Europeans that would have had banner years had it not been for the near-omnipotent form of Sea the Stars. Many pundits have declared it a pretty big ask for Conduit following a lengthy season that included runs in the Coral Eclipse and Arc De Triomphe, as well as winning runs in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the aforementioned Breeders Cup Turf.

You’ll find the pride of Sir Michael Stoute’s yard priced at 9/4 with most major bookmakers.

The main challenger appears to be local favourite Vodka- a 5 year old bay mare who boasted some quality performances at Tokyo this season following a mediocre stint at Nad Al Sheba in March. He looks to be a real pro on the surface, but has been beaten in his last two attempts. I think he’s a great bet for your place and show wagers and to bottom-end your forecast tickets. You’ll find him priced at 7/2 with most major bookmakers.

Oken Bruce Lee is an awesomely-named 4 year-old bay colt out of Canadian mare Silver Joy. He’s a grade 2 winner and has had his season complicated by the presence of Company, a veteran 8 year-old who has absolutely pounded the Japanese circuit this year. Vodka lost to him in the Group 2 Mainichi Okan, but did score a victory in the Grade 1 Tenno Sho last year. Oken Bruce Lee is priced at 7/1 with most major bookmakers.

If you’re looking for an outside bet here, my suggestion is the value-oriented Just As Well, a 6 year-old American raider who has scored a few very nice victories this year at Woodbine and Arlington, while coming second in the Arlington Million to Gio Ponti. He is another successful son of the venerable American stud A.P. Indy. You’ll find him well-priced at 20/1 with most major bookmakers. 

I will be backing Just As Well each-way at 20/1 and I will be backing Conduit for the win and the top of my exotics with Just As Well, Oken Bruce Lee and Vodka on the bottom end.