It was one year ago that Equinox gave a sensational performance in the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1), winning by 2 1/2 lengths and establishing a new track record at 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) on the Tokyo Racecourse turf course.
Although it is still a fresh memory for all of us, the 2024 edition—slated for Oct. 27 with a purse of ¥475.2 million (approximately US$3.17 million)—looks to be another fascinating race.
It was expected at the beginning of the season that Liberty Island, a 4-year-old filly by Duramente who swept the 2023 Triple Tiara and finished second to Equinox in the Japan Cup (G1), would play a leading role in the middle distance division. She was a disappointing third in the March 30 Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T) at Meydan in her seasonal debut. A post-race examination discovered that she suffered desmitis on her off-fore leg. After having a period for convalescence at Northern Farm, Liberty Island has been trained beautifully at Ritto Training Center since Sept. 18 and looks to be ready.
Do Deuce, who has won three G1s including the 2023 Arima Kinen (G1), Justin Palace, who was runner-up to Equinox in the Tenno Sho Autumn, 2023 Japanese Derby (G1) winner Tastiera, 2023 Satsuki Sho (G1) winner Sol Oriens, and 2024 Osaka Hai (G1) winner Bellagio Opera are intended runners for the mouthwatering clash of titans Sunday.
