Equinox, the world’s highest-rated horse, delivered a dominant efficiency to win Sunday’s Japan Cup.
The four-year-old has not been overwhelmed since ending second within the Japanese Derby in Might 2022, successful two Grade One contests at house on the finish of final yr earlier than simply seeing off Westover when claiming the Dubai Sheema Basic at Meydan in March.
Tetsuya Kimura’s cost gained two extra Grade Ones since that effort and was an extended odds-on favorite for the Tokyo spotlight, which featured a clutch of earlier top-level victors, together with main three-year-old filly Liberty Island.
Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa took up his common place on the head of affairs, setting a testing gallop that noticed him construct up an enormous benefit on the prime of the straight.
Christophe Lemaire had been blissful to take a seat within the pack aboard Equinox, rounding the ultimate bend in third earlier than giving his mount the sign to set out in pursuit as Panthalassa’s stride started to shorten.
The response was rapid and Equinox sprinted to the lead over a furlong out and Lemaire simply had to make use of fingers and heels to steer him to a four-length verdict over Liberty Island.
The William Buick-ridden Stars On Earth was third, with final yr’s race winner Vela Azul coming house seventh beneath Hollie Doyle, one place forward of Tom Marquand’s mount Studley.