Cheval Grand beat REY DE ORO in the 2017 Japan Cup but hasn't won subsequently and the runner-up has made the greater progress. Fourth behind Hawkbill in this a year ago, he subsequently won the Grade 1 Autumn Tenno Sho in October and was only beaten a neck in the Arima Kinen in December. Suave Richard makes up the Japan-based entries but he was 9l behind in the Tenno Sho so looks to have plenty to do. Magic Wand looks best of Aidan O'Brien's pair. The trainer won this with St Nicholas Abbey in 2013 and the filly has competed with distinction in six Group 1's since landing the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. Racing History very nearly made all in a Group 2 here three weeks ago but was caught close home by Old Persian with Desert Encounter 3l back in third. The winner, successful in the Great Voltiguer before well beaten in the St Leger, was having his first start since Doncaster so is entitled to have come on markedly for the run.
Cheval Grand (JPN) (8-13) 3rd of 16, 1 1/2l behind at Nakayama 1m 4f gd in Dec.
Old Persian 4-6fav (8-11) won at Meydan 1m 4f Grp 2 stks gd in Mar beating Racing History (9-0) by shd, 10 ran.
Magic Wand (IRE) 9-1 (8-0) Move 2w1/4p,kept on, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Bricks And Mortar (8-12) at Gulfstream 1m 1f stks fm in Jan.
Racing History (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) 2nd of 10, shd behind Old Persian (8-11) at Meydan 1m 4f Grp 2 stks gd in Mar.
Hunting Horn (IRE) (9-0) 3rd of 14, 2 3/4l behind French King (9-0) at Doha 1m 4f Grp 1 gf in Feb.
Rey de Oro (JPN) (9-0) 2nd of 16, nk behind at Nakayama 1m 4f in Dec.
Suave Richard (JPN) (0-0) 4th of 11, 1 1/4l behind at Nakayama 1m 1f in Feb.
Desert Encounter (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) 3rd of 10, 3 1/4l behind Old Persian (8-11) at Meydan 1m 4f Grp 2 stks gd in Mar.
