‘Fantasy racing’ for York with Japanese superstar in Juddmonte International mix

Danon Decile, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic for Japan, was the surprise name among 28 entries for the Juddmonte International at York on August 20 – and excitement is already building on the Knavesmire.

Last year’s Japanese Derby winner travelled to Dubai as something of an unknown quantity having subsequently finished only sixth in the Japanese St Leger, after which he was a close third in the Arima Kinen and won a Group Two.

Relatively unconsidered in the betting for the Sheema Classic, he beat Calandgan by a length and a quarter in the Meydan feature, with Rebel’s Romance adding substance to the form in fourth.

Should he make the journey he may be joined from Japan by Tenno Sho winner Redentor.

York’s chief executive William Derby said: “It’s hugely exciting and I’m thrilled that we’ve got two entries from Japan.

“Obviously I saw him in Dubai when he won the Sheema Classic, he was devastating that night and he’s among the top three (rated) turf horses in the world.”

The 10-furlong Group One was again officially the best race in the world last year, when City Of Troy beat Calandagan, and while the winner is now at stud the runner-up could be back for Francis-Henri Graffard who has also entered his hugely exciting three-year-old Daryz.

Field Of Gold for the sponsors, Ombudsman, Lead Artist, Detain and the unexposed Nahraan give John and Thady Gosden an enviable hand.

Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Los Angeles, Lambourn, Minnie Hauk and Whirl are part of Aidan O’Brien’s squad.

The 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, Almaqam and Anmaat, all entered for the Eclipse this weekend, are engaged.

Derby went on: “It’s so exciting for our flagship race, that was rated the Longines best race in the world last year, to have such a potential field.

“We hope success breeds success and with prize-money of £1.25million it’s put us on a global stage.

“With Field Of Gold and many others in there it looks like the best turf middle-distance horses in the world could be heading our way, at this early stage, admittedly.

“It was great to see Calandagan finally get his Group One at the weekend having run a blinder behind City Of Troy last year, he could be back again, but his stablemate has been mentioned for the race and he looks very exciting.”

All the major races at the Ebor meeting have closed for entries, including a new Group One in the Pattern, the Sky Bet City of York Stakes.

“I’m delighted to see such a strong entry for that,” said Derby.

“There’s Lazzat, Inisherin, Quinault, who won on Saturday, and one horse who did catch my eye was The Lion in Winter who would be dropping back in trip.

“The Nunthorpe looks as good as ever and it was so nice to see Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan win at Royal Ascot with American Affair. Having won a handicap at our Dante meeting just in May, it would be some story if he can win the Nunthorpe a few months later.

“The Yorkshire Oaks has all the fillies you would expect like Aidan’s Minnie Hauk and Whirl among the three-year-olds and then there’s David O’Meara’s Estrange who looked exciting at Haydock.

“It’s that time when you play fantasy racing. I know they won’t all turn up, but we’re excited about the prospect of some of them turning up.”