Seraphic Call Favored in JBC Classic

Twelve runners have declared to run in the listed Japan Breeding Farms' Cup Classic, which carries a total purse of ¥170,000,000 (approx. US$1,078,441), over 2,100 meters (about 10 1/2 furlongs) on the Kanazawa Racecourse dirt track Nov. 3. The ante-post favorite is Seraphic Call (JPN), who is one of seven representatives of the National Association of Racing in the field. The 6-year-old horse by Henny Hughes, who is bred by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm, is the second foal out of Chant de l'Ange (JPN). The dam is a half sister to Martinborough (JPN), winner of Niigata Kinen (G3) and Chunichi Shimbun Hai (G3), and is closely related to Cheval Grand (JPN), winner of the Japan Cup (G1), and Vivlos (JPN), winner of the Dubai Turf (G1T). Seraphic Call was trained by Ryo Terashima at the Japan Racing Association until January 2026 and won seven races, including the Miyako Stakes (G3) for Carrot Farm. Seraphic Call, who was transferred to Katsuyoshi Ucnida's stable at Kawasaki, finished second in the listed Diolite Kinen at Funabashi March 11, sixth in the listed Kawasaki Kinen at Kawasaki April 8, and fourth in the listed Teio Sho at Oi July 1. He collected his first win of 2026 and eighth of his career, Sept. 16, when he won the Tokyo Kinen at Oi, by 3 1/2 lengths. The JRA flagbearer is Ho O Roulette (JPN), trained by Toru Kurita. The 7-year-old horse by Roses in May has won three stakes, including the listed Hakusan Daishoten Sept. 22 at the same course and distance as JBC Classic for Yoshihisa Ozasa.